Fire Department · Career
Torrance Fire Department
Torrance, CA · Los Angeles County
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Department careers page ↗The Torrance Fire Department is an all-risk public safety agency serving the South Bay city of Torrance, California. It holds an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 1 rating (in place since 1995) and is accredited through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), placing it among a small group of top-tier departments nationally.
The department protects a community of roughly 148,000 residents across about 20.5 square miles, a population that swells past 250,000 on peak days. Crews respond to approximately 15,000 calls for service each year.
Staffing is built around 144 sworn and 59 non-sworn personnel (about 203 positions total), with roughly 46 personnel on duty daily across three alternating 24-hour shifts. Emergency resources are distributed across six fire stations and include seven engine companies, two truck companies, five paramedic rescue ambulances, plus BLS ambulances, a hazardous materials unit, and an urban search and rescue unit, all commanded by a shift Battalion Chief.
Founded in 1912 as the Torrance Volunteer Fire Department and organized as a paid-call department in 1921, it has grown into a full-service, transport-capable operation covering fire suppression, EMS, hazmat, and rescue.
MissionTo protect, serve and improve the quality of life for the entire community of Torrance.
Torrance hires entry-level firefighters through an annual Fire Recruit process. The application filing period opens once yearly, typically starting in July, and candidates must submit a FireTEAM score through the National Testing Network (NTN) during that window. Testing is weighted as a written exam (40%) and a panel interview (60%), followed by physical ability certification, a background investigation, and medical, polygraph, and psychological evaluations.
Successful candidates are hired as Fire Recruits and complete a 10-week Torrance Fire Department training academy, then transition to Firefighter upon graduation. A current California EMT-1 certification and completion of a California Fire Academy (or Firefighter-1 certification) are required to apply; a paramedic license and prior fire experience are highly desirable.
Requirements
- Minimum 21 years of age
- Current California EMT-1 certification
- Completion of a State of California Fire Academy or possession of a California Firefighter-1 certification
- Education equivalent to high school graduation, supplemented by college coursework and/or specialized training in fire science
- Valid driver's license (must obtain a Firefighter Restricted Class C license before completing probation)
- Must meet NFPA Standard 1582 medical requirements
- Non-smoker (on and off duty)
- Current CPAT or Biddle physical ability certification
Hiring process
- Submit application and FireTEAM written test score through National Testing Network (NTN) during the annual filing period
- Written test (FireTEAM) - weighted 40%
- Panel interview - weighted 60%
- Physical ability certification (current CPAT or Biddle)
- Background investigation, including polygraph
- Medical and psychological examinations
- 10-week Fire Recruit training academy, then transition to Firefighter
New hires complete a 10-week Torrance Fire Department Fire Recruit training academy before becoming Firefighters.
What are the basic requirements to become a Torrance firefighter?
You must be at least 21 years old, a non-smoker, hold a current California EMT-1 certification, and have completed a State of California Fire Academy or hold a California Firefighter-1 certification. High school graduation supplemented by college coursework or fire science training is also required.
How and when do I apply?
Torrance holds an application filing period once a year, typically starting in July. You apply and submit a FireTEAM written test score through the National Testing Network (NTN) during that window.
What does the selection process involve?
The testing process is a written FireTEAM exam weighted at 40% and a panel interview weighted at 60%, followed by physical ability certification, a background investigation with polygraph, and medical and psychological examinations.
What does the job pay?
Firefighters earn $8,704.45 to $10,580.27 per month. During the 10-week Fire Recruit training academy, pay is $7,891.87 per month.
Is there a training academy?
Yes. New hires are titled Fire Recruit during a 10-week Torrance Fire Department training academy and transition to Firefighter upon successful completion.
Do I need to be a paramedic to apply?
No, but a paramedic license (Los Angeles County preferred) is highly desirable, as are prior volunteer or auxiliary firefighting experience and certifications such as Rescue Systems and HazMat First Responder.