Fire Service

Give to your community by being there for the people on their worst days. As a firefighter, you are expected to do some of the most courageous things many cannot do. It is hard to fill the requirements of this job, but with drive and dedication, you are already a couple of steps forward in the right direction. As servant-leaders, firefighters do everything they can to protect their communities and crews. You must maintain your emotions and order during emergencies. Being a critical thinker and quick decision-making is necessary for the line of duty.  

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Becoming a firefighter is tough, and for a good reason. It is not for everyone, but it is for those who are willing to sacrifice the most. Every single firefighter is where you are right now at some point. Work as hard as possible in everything you do, and it will show. Those are the ones the fire service deserves.

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Remember, this isn't just a job; many may not even consider it one. It is a lifestyle. Be passionate about everything the fire service is and has to offer now and in the future. Proactively searching to better yourself is necessary for not just yourself but your department. This means looking for educational opportunities and being open-minded at all times. 

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There are different types of employment options in the fire service. There are full-time, part-time, paid-on-call, contract, and volunteer.

Full-time, also called career firefighters, are the personnel who go through the department’s complete and intense testing process. Average shift schedules are 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty. Full-timers are usually on a salary wage.  

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Part-time firefighters have varying scheduled hours. Depending on the department, they may work entire shifts, or work partial times, usually at their convenience. Typically paid hourly for their assigned time. Most part-time firefighters have second jobs and vary in circumstances why. Sometimes they are still in the process and testing for a full-time position, or it may be their second job, and they have another job, maybe not even in the emergency services.

Paid-on-call departments are a hybrid of volunteer departments. Generally made up of volunteers doing most supporting events for the department. Still, when they respond and operate at emergencies, they get paid a wage either hourly or on a per-call basis.

Being contract is usually a full-time job, but you are not an employee of your department. Hired by a contract company; some fire departments will sign a contract to provide personnel to work in their department.

Volunteer departments still have specific rules and requirements to be a member, such as living in the district they protect, and attending training and meetings regularly. Community events, services and fundraising, and of course, responding to emergencies regularly.

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Combination Departments are a mixture of full-time and part-time personnel, departments that have some contract personnel and volunteers, etc.

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Shift explanation

Fire stations have personnel on duty at all times – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and on all major holidays whether or not they are career or volunteer department. We will be there to help you no matter where we come from! Start times vary from department to department, but most average fire departments start at 8 am. Don't forget...early is on time; on time is late. Work schedules and paramedic hours vary depending on location, but it is common to see 9, 12, or 24-hour work shifts. In rural living, it is typical to see 24-hour shifts, a designated schedule, or sometimes a 48/96 schedule. These make it easy for rural locations to have staff working 24/7 to provide the best service possible.

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