Knoxville Fire and Rescue was recently given an exemption to hire two cadets despite them not yet having a high school diploma.

The two cadets will graduate this May from high school and want to pursue careers as firefighters. Even with the two new additions to the department Chief Jim Mitchell is still doing all he can to find quality firefighters to add to the department. Mitchell tells KNIA/KRLS News being a firefighter is one of the only professions where someone will open their door and hand you their one-month-old without asking questions. Mitchell says, firefighters have to be trustworthy and the selection process can be difficult. For more information about becoming a firefighter contact Knoxville Fire and Rescue.