Opelika Fire Department hosts monthly firefighter ability test

BY KAYLEIGH FREEMAN FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Whether climbing stairs, dragging hoses or navigating enclosed spaces, the Opelika Fire Department is putting aspiring firefighters to the test — physically and mentally — by hosting monthly Candidate Physical Ability Tests, an essential requirement for joining the department. CPAT is a timed assessment used to evaluate aspiring firefighters’ physical capabilities by simulating demanding tasks they face on the job. The test, which must be completed in 10 minutes and 20 seconds, consists of eight consecutive events: stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue and ceiling breach and pull. One of the most challenging events for participants is the stair climb, said Bob Parsons, fire inspect