Fire Department · Career
East Hartford Fire Department
East Hartford, CT · Capitol Region County
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Department careers page ↗The East Hartford Fire Department is a busy, full-time career organization serving a community of over 50,000 residents in the Greater Hartford area of Connecticut. It operates out of five fire stations strategically located throughout town, with headquarters at 31 School Street.
The department fields a fleet of five ALS engines, two ladders, a heavy rescue, and a command car, and answers a broad range of calls including fires, medical emergencies, technical rescues, and hazardous materials incidents. Its Operations Division has responded with skilled paramedics to emergency medical calls since 1977.
Staffing includes a Fire Chief, two Assistant Chiefs, and roughly 116 fire suppression personnel, of whom about 36 are paramedics, plus support and administrative staff. Work is organized across seven divisions: Fire Operations, the Fire Marshal's Office, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Training, Apparatus Repair, Alarm & Signal, and Administration.
MissionThe East Hartford Fire Department is committed to the prevention of fires and protection of lives, property and the environment.
East Hartford hires both entry-level Firefighter/Paramedics and, when open, lateral transfer firefighters, testing candidates through the Town's online application system on governmentjobs.com. Applicants generally need a current CPAT card, EMT (or paramedic) certification, and a valid driver's license; direct-entry paramedic candidates must hold a Connecticut or National Registry paramedic credential.
After applying online, candidates complete online testing and an on-site interview. Because openings run in defined windows, prospective firefighters should watch the Fire Department's news page and the Town's careers portal for active postings.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license / Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's License by time of appointment
- Valid CPAT card dated within one year prior to appointment (or a Connecticut Fire Academy Fireground Functional Capacity Test time of 14:00 or better)
- National Registry or State of Connecticut EMT certification
- State of Connecticut Paramedic License or National Registry Paramedic Certification (for Firefighter/Paramedic direct-entry positions)
- Connecticut Fire Academy graduate or current career firefighter in a similar department (for direct entry)
Hiring process
- Submit an online application through governmentjobs.com before the posted deadline
- Complete online testing (window opens after the application deadline)
- Participate in an on-site interview
Benefits
Firefighter/Paramedic direct-entry candidates are eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus plus an annual paramedic stipend of 2.5% of top-step pay.
Direct-entry candidates must be Connecticut Fire Academy graduates or currently serving career firefighters in a similarly situated department.
What do I need to become an East Hartford firefighter?
Candidates generally need a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, a current CPAT card (dated within one year of appointment) or a qualifying Connecticut Fire Academy Fireground Functional Capacity Test time, and EMT certification. Firefighter/Paramedic positions also require a Connecticut or National Registry paramedic credential.
Does East Hartford accept lateral transfers?
Yes. The department periodically accepts applications for lateral transfer firefighters in addition to entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic candidates.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the Town's careers portal on governmentjobs.com during an open posting window, followed by online testing and an on-site interview.
What is the pay for a new firefighter?
A recent Direct Entry Firefighter/Paramedic posting listed roughly $71,940 to $82,993 per year, with a $1,000 sign-on bonus and an annual paramedic stipend of 2.5% of top-step pay.
Are the firefighters unionized?
Yes. Uniformed members, except the Chief and Assistant Chiefs, are represented by IAFF Local 1548.
What kinds of calls does the department respond to?
Major areas of emergency response include fire suppression, emergency medical services (with paramedics since 1977), technical rescue, and hazardous materials incidents.