KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Would you like to protect your neighbors and make sure the community is safe and secure?

The Knoxville Fire Department is taking applications now.

Thousands take the test each year, but only a few dozen can call themselves firefighters.

More than 300 men and women staff 18 fire stations across the city of Knoxville.

"It's a different job. It's not a nine to five, it's a way of life. It's more of a way of life than any job you'll ever have," says DJ Corcoran, a firefighter with the Knoxville Fire Department.

The 24 hour a day, 365 day a year job, demands mental and physical strength.

"It's really just back breaking, dirty, nasty work," says Chris Dyer, a training officer with the Knoxville Fire Department.

About 200 to 2,000 people apply to be firefighters each year. But in April, only 29 will come here to the City of Knoxville Fire Academy to begin training.

"An applicant can actually have filled out to become a firefighter as far as two years ago, so it's a long process," says Corcoran.

The application process includes a background check, a polygraph test, a written exam and a Physical Performance Test.

"It's not for everybody. It's a huge sacrifice for you and it's a huge sacrifice for the families. When you graduate from the academy it's tough enough, but when you go out on the fire truck, you're essentially gone four months away from your family a year," says Dyer.

After seven months of training, the starting salary for a an entry-level firefighter is around $32,000.

But the reward is much greater.

"You get to help people. That's always plus. You're catching people at their worst, and at their best," says Corcoran.

"I love this job. I wouldn't do any other job," says Dyer.

You can pick up an application at the Civil Service Department at the City County Building in downtown Knoxville.

The application deadline is March 31.

For more information, click on the link below.