Fire Department · Career
Hoover Fire Department
Hoover, AL · Jefferson County
As of 2017 (the most recent figures published on the department's history page), HFD operated 11 stations across about 50 square miles with 177 employees and an annual budget exceeding $20 million.
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Hoover Fire Department traces its roots to the early 1960s, when the growing Birmingham suburb organized a volunteer department that ran its first calls out of a carport; the first recorded fire response came on December 3, 1962. The department built its first dedicated station in 1965, became one of Alabama's first cities to offer paramedic-level EMS in 1973, and converted to a full-time, paid department in 1976 under its first career chief, Tom Bradley.
Today HFD operates 11 fire stations covering roughly 50 square miles of the city. EMS drives the bulk of the workload -- medical and trauma responses made up about 66% of total call volume in 2018 -- and the department runs four advanced life support rescue units alongside ALS-capable engines and ladder companies. HFD partners with UAB's Department of Emergency Medicine for physician oversight, continuing education, and field research that has helped shape national CPR and treatment protocols.
The department has been accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence since November 16, 2021, and holds an ISO Class 1 rating, making it the only municipal fire department in Alabama to hold both distinctions at once. It is scheduled for CPSE re-accreditation in 2026.
Hoover Fire Department hires full-time firefighters through an online application portal. Entry requires at least an Alabama EMT Basic license, and candidates who already hold Alabama Firefighter I certification take on a three-year employment obligation unless they were self-sponsored for that training.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Current Alabama EMT Basic license (or higher) at time of application
- Current National Registry EMT Basic certification (or higher)
- Ability to pass an NFPA 1582 medically-required physical and all City of Hoover pre-employment requirements
- Valid driver's license and ability to obtain a City driver's permit
- Compliance with the department's grooming standards policy
- Preferred: Alabama Paramedic license
- Preferred: Alabama Personnel Standards Commission Firefighter I certification (incurs a three-year employment obligation unless self-sponsored)
What are the minimum requirements to become a firefighter with Hoover Fire Department?
A high school diploma or GED, a current Alabama EMT Basic license (or higher) at the time of application, current National Registry EMT Basic certification, the ability to pass an NFPA 1582 medical physical and all City pre-employment requirements, and a valid driver's license.
Is Hoover Fire Department currently hiring?
Yes -- the department is actively accepting applications for full-time firefighter positions through its online application portal.
How many fire stations does Hoover Fire Department operate?
11 stations, covering roughly 50 square miles of the city (as of the department's 2017 history summary).
Is Hoover Fire Department accredited?
Yes. It has been accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence since November 16, 2021, and holds an ISO Class 1 rating -- the only municipal department in Alabama to hold both at once.
How much of Hoover Fire Department's call volume is EMS?
In 2018, medical and trauma responses made up about 66% of the department's total call volume (7,315 EMS calls that year).