Fire Department · Career
Bridgeport Fire Department
Bridgeport, CT · Connecticut Metropolitan County
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Department careers page ↗The Bridgeport Fire Department is the primary fire and rescue agency for the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut, operating out of eight fire stations organized into two battalions (West Side and East Side) plus a dedicated Fire Marshal Division and administrative headquarters. Companies operating from these houses include engine, ladder, and rescue apparatus, with Rescue 5 and a fire boat supporting the department's marine and technical response capabilities alongside its hazardous-materials response duties.
Beyond emergency response, the department runs public-facing fire-prevention programs, including a free smoke alarm program for residents, fire incident report requests, and community outreach such as parade, school, and fire boat presentation requests. The Fire Marshal Division, based separately at 45 Lyon Terrace, handles fire investigation and code enforcement for the city.
The department recruits entry-level firefighters through its "Make the Shift to BFD" program, hiring candidates who complete Candidate Physical Ability Testing (CPAT) and the Connecticut Fire Academy's 14-week recruit training program, with new hires earning state Firefighter II, MRT, and driver's license "Q" endorsement certifications along the way.
MissionThe Bridgeport Fire Department is dedicated to serve the people of the City of Bridgeport and provide the highest level of professional response to fire, medical, environmental emergencies.
Bridgeport hires entry-level firefighters through a civil service process administered with firefighterapp.com, requiring a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate and completion of the Connecticut Fire Academy's 14-week recruit training program. The department also offers CPAT training (not testing) at its own training facility at 236 Evergreen Street for candidates preparing to test.
Requirements
- Good physical condition and good moral character
- No tobacco use
- Good vision and hearing
- Ability to swim or learn to swim (training provided)
- Must attend the Connecticut Fire Academy 14-week recruit training program
- Must not be acrophobic (fear of heights)
- Must be able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) without restriction
- Must be able to obtain State of Connecticut Firefighter II Certification
- Must be able to obtain a 'Q' endorsement on a CT driver's license (training provided)
- Must be able to obtain MRT (medical response technician) certification (training provided)
- Ability to work irregular hours, weekends, and holidays
Hiring process
- Submit an application through firefighterapp.com during the open testing window
- Obtain a valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) certificate
- Complete the civil service written examination process
- Attend the 14-week Connecticut Fire Academy recruit training program
- Obtain State of CT Firefighter II certification, MRT certification, and 'Q' license endorsement
Benefits
Entry-level base pay of $60,193 with a salary range up to $78,905, plus promotional opportunities, overtime, a pension plan, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, uniform allowance, paid vacations, paid training, and 13 paid holidays.
New hires must complete the 14-week Connecticut Fire Academy recruit training program and obtain State of CT Firefighter II certification, MRT certification, and a driver's license 'Q' endorsement; the department provides training toward the swim, driving, and EMS requirements.
How many fire stations does the Bridgeport Fire Department operate?
The department operates eight fire stations across two battalions (Battalion 1 West Side and Battalion 2 East Side), plus a separate Fire Marshal Division office and administrative headquarters at 30 Congress Street.
What is required to become a Bridgeport firefighter?
Candidates need a valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) certificate and must complete the Connecticut Fire Academy's 14-week recruit training program, along with obtaining State of CT Firefighter II certification, MRT certification, and a driver's license 'Q' endorsement.
What does entry-level pay look like for Bridgeport firefighters?
Entry-level base pay is $60,193, with a salary range up to $78,905, plus benefits including a pension, medical/dental/vision coverage, uniform allowance, and paid training.
Does the Bridgeport Fire Department offer CPAT training?
Yes. The department offers CPAT training (not testing) on a first-come, first-served basis at its training facility at 236 Evergreen Street, Bridgeport, CT.