Recruitment Information - FAQ and Testimonials

What skills do I need?

Today’s firefighter must be a skilled, competent professional able to respond to every kind of emergency. Fort Lauderdale firefighters undergo continuous in-service training. This ongoing education provides knowledge of the latest developments in firefighting and rescue techniques. Training also includes such subjects as the control of hazardous materials incidents, confined space rescues and emergency medical procedures. Fire prevention and fire investigation are additional areas of training provided. Firefighters also learn some teaching skills in order to educate the public to better promote fire prevention and safety awareness throughout the community that the department serves.

What personal qualities are needed?

In addition to frequent contact with the public, firefighters spend extended periods of time together. A neat appearance and a pleasant personality are excellent qualities, as is the ability to get along with those whom you work and serve. Also, a firefighter must be able to accept orders without question and work effectively as a member of a team of professionals.

What licenses are required?

A valid Florida driver’s license, Florida emergency medical technician certification or paramedic certification, plus a Florida firefighter’s certificate are required at the time of application.

Where can I get more information about education and training locations to become a Florida certified firefighter/EMT/paramedic?

For additional information on becoming a certified Florida firefighter, you may contact the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala, FL at (352) 369-2800, or visit their website.

For additional information on becoming a certified Florida EMT/paramedic, you may contact the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services in Tallahassee, FL at (850) 245-4440, or visit their website.

What benefits are available?

• Life insurance
• Health - dental – vision insurance
• Vacation
• Sick leave
• Tuition refund
• Uniform allowance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement - longevity

What is the starting salary?

Starting pay for 2009 was $47,000, plus 10% EMT - 15% paramedic certification pay.

What is the hiring process for the City of Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department?

Applicants must successfully pass all of the following steps in order to complete the hiring process.

1. Written examination (accounts for 50% of total score)*
2. Oral interview (accounts for 50% of total score)*
3. Conditional job offer
4. Broward County physical ability examination (pass/fail)
5. Final background examination (pass/fail)
6. Medical examination (including drug screening) (pass/fail)

*Applicants must obtain a minimum score of 70 on each weighted portion of the examination in order to qualify.

For more information about applying and current openings, please visit the City of Fort Lauderdale's Employment page.

What are the pros and cons of being a firefighter?

It can be very gratifying and rewarding to be able to assist people in the community in their times of need. But it can also be very stressful; you sometimes witness the destruction of property and, unfortunately, the human toll that fire, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies and natural disasters can extract from the families in the community that you serve. This devastation can be difficult to cope with and very disheartening. However, one of the driving forces of the department is to limit exposure to risk and devastating losses through public education and emergency preparedness through the department’s fire prevention efforts.

What are the hours that firefighters work?

Firefighters assigned to the Operations Division work a 24-hour shift on duty and are then off duty for 48 hours, with a "Kelly Day" (shift off) every seventh tour of duty (three weeks).

What opportunities are available in the Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department?

After successfully completing a one-year probationary period as a Fort Lauderdale firefighter, the following specialty positions are available within the department:

• Hazardous Materials Team (HazMat)
• Technical Rescue Team (TRT)
• Fire prevention/Fire inspector
• Special Weapons and Tactics Medic Unit (SWAT)
• Field Training Officer (FTO)
• Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Team Florida Task Force 2

What is the job?

Here is some down-to-earth information about what a day in the life of a Fort Lauderdale firefighter really entails. In addition to practicing fire-rescue services to the community, firefighters can expect to receive training on a daily basis, and at times units are required to attend special night drills and classroom courses. There are also regularly scheduled duties throughout the day. A typical day in the station includes:

• Roll Call: At 0800 hours the oncoming shift is briefed by the previous shift. The company officer and/or battalion chief disseminate daily plans and assignments to the crews.
• Apparatus and Equipment Check: All personnel check and maintain the equipment and/or apparatus he or she has been assigned to for that shift. Additionally, all emergency medical equipment is checked to ensure that everything is appropriately stocked and ready for use.
• Station Maintenance: Firefighters are required to maintain their assigned stations. Cleaning of the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, offices and station grounds is performed each day.
• Training: Shift firefighters train everyday. Training may include reviewing emergency responsibilities, changes in procedures and so forth. Hands-on sessions of hose layouts, truck operations and medical procedures are a large percentage of training provided.
• Public Services: Firefighters are often dispatched to non-emergency calls to help invalids back into bed, rescue people trapped in elevators, assist people locked out of their cars or homes and to enforce the City’s ban on open burning (rubbish/leaves). Citizens often visit the fire station for directions, blood pressure checks or just to find out how to dispose of old paints and chemicals around their homes.
• Administration: Each response requires a computer incident report, and firefighters must prepare paperwork to backup almost everything they do.
• Zone Familiarization: Firefighters must be prepared for emergencies anywhere in their first-response territory. A great deal of time is spent learning the neighborhoods, parks, apartment complexes and shopping centers in the First Due Area.

These are only a few of the many responsibilities of a Fort Lauderdale firefighter. If public service is what you are interested in, the job is a rewarding one. When you become a member of the Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department, you are part of an organization that holds itself to high standards and ideals. Our personnel are expected to do the right thing and go above and beyond with respect to the citizens we serve. If dedication, commitment and service are hallmarks of your character, then you may have what it takes to be a City of Fort Lauderdale firefighter.