KINGSTON — The North Kitsap Fire & Rescue is now accepting applications to test into its volunteer-intern firefighter program through July 20.

Nearly 200 program alumni are working with emergency services in Washington state and beyond.

The volunteer program provides training, education and certifications in conjunction with experience as recruits serve the community alongside the district’s paid personnel. Organizers say this experience offers candidates a competitive edge over others in the highly competitive fire service job market.

A valid Candidate Physical Ability Test card is required for applicants, as well as a written general knowledge test on July 21. A panel of veteran firefighters will interview those who pass the written general knowledge test on July 22.

Selected participants will join one of the district’s three shifts in August to begin training for the October-January firefighter academy.

Crews with NKF&R work a 48-hour-on, 96-hour-off schedule. During the academy, candidates will be on site for four days and at least 40 hours each week of the 10-week session.

For more information, see the district’s website at nkfr.org or call 360-297-3619.

—Nick Twietmeyer is a reporter with Kitsap News Group. Nick can be reached at ntwietmeyer@soundpublishing.com

The members of NKF&R’s 2017 volunteer-intern firefighter academy, held in partnership with East Jefferson Fire Rescue, line up to march in for their December graduation and awards ceremonies. Candidates who successfully complete the academy get more than certifications; graduates earn a sense of true achievement to carry them forward as they pursue their dream of a fire service career. Courtesy Michele Laboda.