COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) – A fire and rescue team is aiming to add members to its team.

Fire Chief Charles Yarbrough said Columbus Fire and Rescue is six firefighters short.

He said they want people interested in building a career in public service.

The department is hosting firefighter tryouts on Saturday at the Columbus High School football facility.

It can be found at 215 Hemlock Street in Columbus.

Applicants will go through a physical ability test before advancing to a written exam and interview process.

Yarbrough said firefighter pay remains one of the biggest challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining employees. The issue became part of the city’s recent budget discussions.

Fire department leaders had hoped for additional pay adjustments beyond the three percent raise approved for city employees.

Those increases ultimately were not included in the final budget.

“A lot of people ask me why we are so short. Because of pay,” Chief Yarbrough said. “That’s one of the things that motivates people. Unfortunately, everybody’s not in it for the money. The guys and girls here, they’re in it for the right reasons, but the money would help as well. We have lost several people to SDI and Aluminum Mill because they make more money.”

Yarbrough said city leaders have indicated firefighter pay could be revisited in future budget discussions.

Anyone interested in applying can register in person Saturday morning before testing begins.

Check in is at 7 a.m.