FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The search begins for new firefighters.

The Fort Wayne Firefighter department officially announced this morning they are looking for 15 new recruits. In January, the department will begin training them.

You can find out more at fortwaynefiredepartment.org. The process includes a written aptitude test and tutoring for the test.

Earlier this month, the city announced it received $1.4 million in FEMA grants to help initially cover the salaries of those recruits.

Officials say they are looking for candidates of “wide-range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.” 

Applications will be accepted through September 25, with a written aptitude test administered September 26  at Grand Wayne Center. A tutoring session for the test is set for September 12 at the Public Safety Academy. 

The recruit academy runs for 18-weeks.