Testing potential firefighter candidates just got a little easier in Daphne. The Daphne Fire Department celebrated the opening of its new Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) facility, May 20.

The rapid growth across Baldwin County means the need for public safety employees is constant. Daphne Fire Battalion and Training Chief Andy Ray said the addition of the CPAT Facility will help meet the needs of the Daphne Fire Department.

"The CPAT Facility is an indoor testing facility for the Candidate Physical Agility Test, which is the first step to becoming a career firefighter," Ray said. "Having the CPAT facility allows Daphne Fire the ability to meet and build a rapport with potential candidates for hire when positions within the department become available. It also provides surrounding departments the ability to utilize a local resource for testing of potential employees."

From the outside, the building is a simple metal building. Inside, you will find an array of equipment used to test potential firefighters like stairs for the stair climb, hoses for the hose drag, and ladders for the ladder raise and extension.

In 2021, the City of Daphne approved an ordinance approving the appropriation of funds for the CPAT building. The city appropriated $12,850 for the engineering services related to the site work upgrades and the Daphne Volunteer Fire Department donated the building valued at $135,400.

"The department is constantly trying to provide its members as well as prospective employees with the highest level of facilities and resources to retain and grow with the needs of the community," Ray said.

The Daphne Fire Department currently has 52 full-time firefighters and 10 part-time.

The CPAT Building is at Fire Station 1 Training Facility, 25250 Bailey Yelding Jr. Drive, Daphne.