When Fire Deputy Chief Jason Collier applied to become a firefighter 23 years ago, he said, hundreds of people would apply.

Now, it has become harder to find people with the same interest of becoming a firefighter.

To address a shortage of firefighters, the Meridian Fire Department is pushing for applicants to fill the positions. The department has been taking applications since last week and will accept more until noon April 16. The department has 105 full-time firefighters and has 10 firefighter vacancies, Collier said.

To apply, candidates have to pick up a paper application from the civil service office on the ground level of City Hall in Meridian. To qualify, an applicant must be 19 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, pass a physical test and pass a background check.

After the April 16th deadline, selected candidates will go through a process that can take months or up to a year to complete. Collier said candidates have to take a physical test, usually, on a Saturday, then a week later take a written test at Meridian Community College, pass a background check and go to training at the fire academy. The training at the fire academy usually takes eight weeks to complete, he said.

Collier said the more applicants who apply will make it easier for the department to pull applicants whenever there is a shortage. The problem is not just a problem in Meridian but around the county, Collier said.

Because the department is shorthanded, several firefighters have been working overtime. The department is trying to reduce those overtime hours.

Tyler Stacey has been with the Meridian Fire Department for almost three years, after serving in the Air National Guard and 10 years installing car stereos. Stacey said he changed careers because he likes how he can help people and likes being part of a brotherhood.

“I used to be in the military so I was looking for the brotherhood; that comradery,” Stacey said.

Justin Russell, who has been part of the department for the last six years, joined after working a job he said he didn’t like.

“It (firefighting) was something that intrigued me and something that I became interested in,” Russell said.

One thing that sold him in becoming a firefighter, Russell said, are the things firefighters do and why they do it Russell said he likes having a set schedule even though it is working 24 hours on and having 48 hours off.

“I enjoy helping people,” Russell said.

Collier said there are several factors that could discourage people from applying. The hours could be one factor since a lot of firefighters work one 24 hour shift and have 48 hour days off, Collier said. There is also a generational difference between the previous and the current generation. Collier said the previous generation worked more with their hands while new generations are more tech savvy.

Collier said the department does stress the importance of education and will help pay for school by offering scholarships to firefighters.

Collier recommends people interested in becoming a firefighter to volunteer at their local fire department to see if this is something they want to do for the rest of their life.

Russell advises prospective firefighters to have a passion for the work.

“It really needs to be something you enjoy and be passionate about it,” Russell said.