TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Terre Haute Fire Department is currently taking applications from people who want to become a firefighter with their department.

The application window is open through September 15. Fire Chief Bill Berry said that a number of firefighters are set to retire in the coming years, and he expects to call in a dozen to 15 applicants early next year.

Once a firefighter is hired, they go through an EMT training school and fire academy preparing them for this career of serving the community.

“It’s great. It’s a fantastic career. You get to help people on a daily basis, take that oath to protect life and property. Our firefighters are well-trained, they work hard and it’s just a fantastic career,” Berry said.

Berry noted that there have been changes in the requirements of hiring a new firefighter. While firefighters used to have to be under the age of 36, firefighters now can be hired up until their 40th birthday. When discussing residency requirements, Berry also noted that new firefighters are now able to live anywhere. Berry also mentioned they won’t have another application process after this for another two years.

Those interested can pick up an application at the Terre Haute Fire Department’s main office at 25 Spruce Street, or at the fire training facility located at 2465 North Brown Avenue.