Those looking to join the Tulsa Fire Department braced the cold weather during Wednesday morning's ladder climb.
It's the final test in the hiring process that requires both physical and mental strength.
Aspiring cadets were challenged with climbing to the top of a 100-foot ladder truck at a 75-degree angle.
Fire officials say this test is to make sure cadets are ready to climb in any emergency situation.
The icy weather is only a sample of what can be expected on the job.
"We don't choose the environment we work in, we work in every condition. So we will climb this ladder in conditions worse than this," said Tulsa Fire Chief Michael Baker. "We have to work in situations that we're facing, whenever we're needed."
Tulsa's deputy Mayor Cassia Carr also took on the ladder climb. She says it's important for city leaders to connect with first responders who sacrifice their lives every day.