Fire Department · Career
Gilroy Fire Department
Gilroy, CA · Santa Clara County
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Department careers page ↗Headquartered on Chestnut Street since 1971, the Gilroy Fire Department covers the city under the motto "First in service to the community," delivering structural and wildland firefighting, EMS, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and public education. The department is led by a Fire Chief supported by Operations, Training, and EMS division chiefs, with a Fire Prevention Division under the Fire Marshal handling construction/operational permits, hazardous materials (CUPA) inspections, and code enforcement.
Frontline coverage runs out of three staffed engine companies: Chestnut Station (also the administration headquarters and home to a 75-foot ladder truck), Las Animas Station, and Sunrise Station, the latter also housing a rescue ambulance the department uses to transport patients when the county ambulance provider is delayed. A fourth location, the Santa Teresa Interim Station at Christmas Hill Park, is staffed seasonally and during elevated-risk periods (red flag warnings, holidays, storms) until a permanent Santa Teresa station is built.
Gilroy firefighters are cross-trained as EMTs and paramedics and participate in an auto-aid agreement with the CAL FIRE-staffed South Santa Clara County Fire District, plus the statewide California Mutual Aid System, extending mutual response beyond city limits. The department also runs community programs including Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, station tours, and File of L.I.F.E. medical-history kits for residents.
MissionWe are dedicated to protecting the lives, property and environment of the Gilroy community by employing the latest fire, rescue, emergency medical service, and prevention practices and technologies.
What schedule do Gilroy firefighters work?
A Gilroy firefighter's shift is 48 hours long, worked on a rotating 6-day cycle (48 hours on duty, 4 days off), averaging 56 hours per week. Three shifts (A, B, and C) staff the department 24/7/365.
Why do fire engines respond to emergency medical calls along with ambulances?
The Gilroy Fire Department deploys strategically located fire engines to maintain short response times. Each engine is staffed with a Firefighter/Paramedic and two EMTs filling the ranks of Fire Captain, Engineer, and Firefighter, so a full crew can begin advanced care immediately while the private ambulance company handles hospital transport.
Why did I see another fire department's engine responding in Gilroy?
Gilroy participates in an Auto-Aid Agreement with the South Santa Clara County Fire District (contracted and staffed by CAL FIRE), which has engines positioned near Gilroy Gardens, Masten and 101, and Watsonville/Monterey. Gilroy is also part of the California Mutual Aid System, allowing it to request or provide additional resources and specialized teams as needed.
What do Gilroy firefighters do between emergency calls?
In addition to responding to emergencies, firefighters train continuously for structure and wildland fire attack, vehicle extrication, rope rescue, and search and rescue; complete required OSHA and medical training; perform commercial inspections and station/apparatus maintenance; and conduct school tours, station visits, and public education.