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Commission votes to open new Hobart firefighter hiring list with defined qualifications and bonus points
Summary
The Hobart Civil Service Fire Commission voted to open a new hiring list that mirrors the most recent qualifications (EMT and Firefighter I/II, or Paramedic) and applies bonus points for military service (10%), paramedic certification (8%) and lateral hires (5%). Commissioners and union leaders discussed testing vendor timelines and application fees.
The Hobart Civil Service Fire Commission voted June 11, 2025, to start a new firefighter hiring list using the same qualifications and bonus-point structure as the most recent recruitment process. Commissioner Pouch moved to open the list and amended his motion to require EMT and Firefighter I/II, or Paramedic, and to apply bonus points of 10% for military service, 8% for paramedic certification and 5% for lateral hires; Commissioner St. Myers seconded the motion, which carried 3-0.
The commission recorded that Union President Sons said he had raised suggested changes to the application fee with the city but had not received a response. Commissioners discussed the fees assessed by the testing vendor and how much applicants are paying to test, but no fee changes were recorded as decided during the meeting.
Commissioner Mosqueda noted that the testing vendor, Public Safety Answers, told the commission it is rewriting the test and that the updated exam likely would not be ready in time for the upcoming process. Commissioner Pouch said he will speak with Fire Chief Lopez before the process opens to confirm whether the chief wants any changes to the qualifications or the hiring timeline.
The motion does not set exact application dates; the commission recorded the vote and left next steps to coordination among the union, the Fire Chief and commission staff. The minutes do not specify a revised testing schedule or any final decision about applicant fees.
