New CPAT Training Facility Opens In Homewood

HOMEWOOD, IL -- A new physical ability testing facility has opened for firefighter candidates in the south suburbs. Officials unveiled the new 15,000-square-foot testing facility that will provide access to the "Candidate Physical Ability Test" at the MABAS Division 24 headquarters in Homewood last week.

“Candidates aspiring to be firefighters had to travel well beyond their own communities to pursue their career dreams, so we at MABAS 24 made it happen,” said Glenwood Fire Chief Kevin Welsh, MABAS 24 president. “Once the concept was brought to us, we were going to do whatever we needed to do to build it.”

The new testing location at 17555 S. Ashland Ave. will offer online scheduling, registration and payment of CPAT fees, according to a news release. It will also provide computer-based testing for entry-level firefighters, law enforcement officers, corrections officers and emergency communications applicants applying for city, county, and state public safety agencies.

“We are devoted to assuring our communities have a fair and equitable process to hire physically capable firefighters and this testing center is a move to make this possible,” said Welsh.

CPAT is the nationally accepted standard for entry-level firefighters.

An eight-week program with video introduction, workout model and guidance under the tutelage of proctors precedes one becoming a firefighter. Registered candidates will have the opportunity to practice on the Homewood course, which consists of eight obstacles that simulate what firefighters might encounter during an emergency response. To pass the test, candidates must complete all the tasks in less than 10 minutes 20 seconds.

All municipalities under MABAS 24 joined in the effort to create the new facility, with South Holland Fire Department Deputy Chief Bryant Krizik assisting Welsh in spearheading the effort.

The $70,000 it cost to purchase new equipment for the facility was raised through firefighter charity golf outings, corporate sponsorships and donations.

Photo: MABAS 24 President and Glenwood Fire Chief Kevin Welsh welcomes participating Southland department representatives to the new CPAT Testing Center in Homewood. Among the approximately 200 in attendance there were mayors, village managers, fire chiefs and other administrators from the 20 towns that make up MABAS 24 / provided