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Montgomery County fire department seeks Spanish‑speaking recruits; applications due Feb. 13
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Summary
On a Spanish‑language program, two Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Department members described requirements, training and a five‑step application process for aspiring firefighters and paramedics; applicants must apply by Feb. 13 and windows open twice a year.
Marcela Rodríguez Villagrán, host of a Spanish‑language community program, devoted a recent episode to job opportunities at the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Department, interviewing paramedic Johana Fuentes and firefighter Christopher Hernández about recruitment, training and eligibility.
Fuentes, a paramedic, said a central reason she joined is to serve Spanish‑speaking residents and increase Latino representation in emergency services. “La habilidad de poder ayudarlo a nuestros latinos… ver a un latino, más que todo una hembra latina, es bastante duro en encontrar,” she said, explaining that speaking the same language can make a critical difference when someone calls 9‑1‑1.
Hernández, who said he has worked in the department for about 20 years, emphasized the bilingual advantage in emergency response and outlined formal eligibility criteria for applicants: a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license (because recruits drive ambulances and trucks), a minimum age of 18 and U.S. citizenship or lawful residency. “Educación tiene que tener, por lo menos, que sea rodeada de la high school… Licencia… una edad de 18 años… ciudadano o residente de los Estados Unidos,” he said.
Both guests stressed that prior experience is not required. Fuentes described the department’s training steps and a clear advancement path: recruits are trained in the academy and may later become paramedics. Hernández summarized the five major stages of the application process: submit information on the department website while the window is open; receive an email invitation to a written exam (applicants must score at least 70% to proceed); be scheduled for a physical fitness exam; and, upon passing, begin department training. He told listeners the current application window closes on Feb. 13 and noted the department opens applications twice a year.
The segment was framed as an outreach effort to Spanish‑speaking neighborhoods and younger residents considering a public‑safety career. Rodríguez Villagrán encouraged listeners to check the department’s website and social media channels for application forms and updates. “Recuerden que tienen hasta el 13 de febrero para aplicar,” she said.
No formal votes or policy changes were discussed during the program; the episode provided information about openings, eligibility and next steps for prospective applicants.
The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Department did not provide additional materials in the program beyond the application instructions and timelines presented by Fuentes and Hernández. Prospective applicants should consult the department’s official website for full application instructions, exam dates and the next recruitment window.
