Become A Firefighter

Applications Currently Closed

The Akron Fire Department is currently not accepting applications but will reopen applications in the near future.

Would you like to be part of our team?

We need members of our community to step up and keep our neighborhoods, property, and citizens safe and improve the quality of life within the community. Be a hero!

You must have:

Valid Driver’s License
High school diploma or GED
Between the ages of 17 – 35 at the time of the Firefighter/Medic test.

Join our highly regarded Fire Department and begin a rewarding career!

Start a Rewarding Career!

Alongside a rewarding career as a Firefighter/Medic we also offer these benefits:

Starting salary $61,214.40 annually
Cadets will be paid while attending the academy
Health Care Plan
Skill development
Tuition-Free college courses through the City of Akron’s
Workforce Development Program via Stark State College
Career advancement opportunities
Paid Vacation
Sick Leave
Retirement pension

What is Training Like?

Akron Fire Department cadets undergo a 15-week training program to get them physically and mentally prepared for service. Trained professionals and veterans instruct cadets on the ins and outs of fire safety and teach them crucial lifesaving and fire combating techniques.

We documented the most recent cadet class in the following video series:

Akron Fire Department Training

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Note: Candidate preparation for the physical ability should include both aerobic exercise and strength training.

Akron Fire Division Removal Standards - Download pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I become a firefighter/medic?

It is a chance to make a positive impact on your community, to save lives and safeguard property. It is a chance to experience unique challenges with the opportunity for promotion - the pathway to a rewarding career.

You use the title Firefighter/Medic. Can I function as a paramedic only or a firefighter only?

All new hires are trained to be firefighters and are required to become certified EMTs and Paramedics.

What qualifications must I have to become a firefighter/medic

The minimum qualifications that you must have to take the Civil Service Exam are: you must be at least 18 when you participate in the examination and no older than 35 on the day of the written examination; you must have a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license at time of application and a valid Ohio drivers license at time of hire, with no more than 6 points.

How do I go about becoming a firefighter/medic? Where do I start?

Apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/akron

What are the steps in the selection process?

Written Civil Service exam, physical ability test, background investigation, drug screening. After receiving a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to take a rigorous medical examination including a vision, cardiovascular stress tests, and Psychological screening. These tests must be passed before you can be appointed to the position of Firefighter/Medic. The vision must be correctable to 20/30 binocular and no more than 20/100 uncorrected in each eye.”

What is the salary of a firefighter/medic?

Salary $61,214.40 Annually/$29.43 hourly at the start of the Akron Training Fire Academy.

What does the work schedule look like for a firefighter/medic?

Firefighter/medics work 24 hours on and 48 hours off. They work 2-3 days a week. That equals out to about 94 days a year. During the three-month fire academy, cadets work 1st shift.

What are the specific duties of a firefighter/medic?

We don’t just fight fire, although fire suppression and extinguishment of all types of fires that occur, such as structure, automobile, and rubbish are some of the emergency incidents to which we respond. There are also Emergency Medical Services, Water Rescue, T.R.O.T. (Technical Rescue Operations Team), and Hazardous Materials emergencies. The support services divisions are:
Community Services Bureau:
Public Education - Fire Safety and Education
Inspection - Inspect occupancies for conformance to fire code

Fire Investigations – Investigate cause and origin of fires that cause loss of life, injury, or damage to property.
Hazardous Materials Bureau – Enforces regulations or storage and use of hazardous materials. Mitigates hazardous incidents.
Training Bureau – Provides high level of training at entry level and ongoing training of personnel in all areas of fire suppression.
EMS Bureau – EMT training and ongoing training of all emergency medical technicians and paramedics

What are employee benefits?

Insurance for employee and eligible dependents, major medical, hospitalization, dental, vision, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, the City contributes toward a retirement plan. Wages and benefits are determined through collective bargaining.

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Become A Firefighter

Frequently Asked Questions