'He's not heavy, he's my dummy'
17 test for two positions as Gallup firefighters

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

Lt. Mike Silva watches as Chris McAndrews drags a 175-pound dummy Tuesday morning while taking the Gallup Fire Department's physical fitness test at Fire Station One on South Second Street in Gallup. McAndrew rode 26 hours on a train from Illinois to come and take the test to join the Gallup Fire Departmet. Seventeen applicants tested for two positions with the department. (Photo by Jeff Jones/Independent)

GALLUP — A potential firefighter dragged a 175-pound dummy nearly 50 feet on Tuesday, as the morning sun caused beads of sweat to drip from his face.

Seventeen applicants competed for two vacant positions within the Gallup fire department during the mid-morning hours on Tuesday. Applicants were required to pass a test that gauges each individual's ability to perform functions required in the occupation of firefighting.

Each individual is allotted 15 minutes to complete eight events that include an aerial ladder climb, a ladder raise and lower, a hose line advance and a victim rescue.

Division Commander Philip Lopez said the physical event is the first in a series of tests that are intended to determine who should become the department's next pair of firefighters.

The 17 men completed an orientation with department officials before they were presented with the series of physical events. The agility test will then be followed by a written test and an interview.

Lopez said each applicant is given 20 minutes beforehand to study for the written exam that tests for general knowledge. The applicants must pass the exam with a 70 percent or better to move on through the hiring process.

"It (the test) basically tests to see if they can follow orders," Lopez said.

At the end of the process, applicants are ranked according to the recommendations of the department's employees who oversee the events.

Ronnie Castillo is one of two applicants who traveled from out-of-state to apply for a position with the Gallup department.

A former California highway patrolman, Castillo recently relocated to Gallup with his wife who is pursuing a Ph.D in the Navajo language.

He said the Gallup area reminds him of his hometown of Orosi, Calif.

"We really like the area," he said.