Hiring Firefighters back in the day

Even back in 1936 firefighting was a well sought after career. Of course this hiring mentioned in the Roanoke Times was in reference to the 20 positions needed to expand the fire department to two platoons. Does anyone out there have the current figures as to how many people apply nowadays? If so, let me know.

This is sure to start several conversations in many firehouses. I am sure several sentences will begin with "Hell I remember when..." and the conversation will turn into a "who has the best war story".