If you are looking for a career where you can serve the community, then the Bridgeport Police Department is currently looking for you.

Recently, the Bridgeport Police announced it will host a civil service examination at The Bridge Sports Complex Feb. 28. The department is looking to fill three staff vacancies.

The process administered by the Bridgeport Police Civil Service Commission is the same as past when administering the exam. Applicants will begin with a physical agility test at 8 a.m. For those passing the physical agility portion of the examination, a written exam will follow shortly after at 10 a.m.

Those passing will be put on a new civil service list of candidates to be hired. The list is good for 36 months, and the current one has expired.

An outside company will oversee the testing of potential new hires on behalf of the Commission. Applicants can be certified as well as non-certified.

“We need to get a new list of eligible candidates. We have three openings that need to be filled,” said Chief Mark Rogers.

Currently, the Bridgeport Police Department has 36 members. They hope to get back to 39.

“Recently, we had one spot that needed to be filled, but one officer left for the U.S. Marshals and another that was in the (State Police Training) Academy dropped out so, we’re in need of three.”

Rogers said departments across the nation are having a challenging time filling open positions. He is hopeful that will change with a large turnout for the upcoming testing.

“First, it’s a stringent background process candidates go through. Above that, it’s been a profession for a period that got negative attention and led people away who didn’t want to face that type of scrutiny,” said Rogers. “We know some have avoided it for that reason, but we’re looking for those who want to make a difference in their community and start a rewarding career.”

Rogers said for anyone hesitant to contact the department to talk about it and take a chance. He said most that apply and get through the academy stay on board. He said if you find out it is not up to your standard, individuals can move on.

“We had a candidate go through the academy, get certified, and then realized it wasn’t for him. There’s nothing wrong with that,” said Rogers. “We just those applying to know that we’ll do all we can to prepare you with ample opportunities where you won’t start out alone and have plenty of field training. We want people to see this as a career to serve others, and a career where we hope to compensate fairly.”

Rogers said the hiring comes with a great benefit package. He also said the pay is good and he and other first responders in the city work with City Council and the city manager for increased pay to remain competitive.

Certified officers see a starting salary of $56,344, while non-certified salary begin at $53,880.

After the testing is done, names of those eligible to be hired on the civil service list will be in place for 36 months.

Individuals looking to apply can do some by picking up an application form from the Bridgeport Police Department at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex at 515 West Main Street during business hours. The applications are due Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.

Those applying must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. They can have no felony convictions and need a valid West Virginia driver’s license and be a U.S. citizen.

Questions can be directed at 304-842-8260.