Fire Department · Career
Manchester Fire Department
Manchester, CT · Capitol Region County
79 career firefighters plus roughly 4 civilian/support staff (83 total, 2024 data); IAFF Local 1579 represents more than 250 current and retired members.
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS traces its roots to 1897, when it was organized as the South Manchester Fire Department; the organization became the Town of Manchester Fire Department in 1956 and took its current name, Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS, in 1997. In 2023 the department grew further when Manchester Fire Rescue EMS and the Eighth Utilities District Fire Department merged following a taxpayer vote, with the combined department taking effect July 1, 2023.
Today MFRE is a career department staffing five stations throughout town, delivering fire suppression, fire prevention and education, advanced life support EMS, technical/specialized rescue, hazardous materials response, and disaster mitigation. The department runs a high call volume, with EMS incidents making up the large majority of responses, and provides and receives mutual aid with neighboring jurisdictions.
MFRE is led by Fire Chief Daniel A. French, a 33-year fire service veteran who joined Manchester as Assistant Chief before being appointed Chief in 2021 following a nationwide search. Under his leadership the department introduced its first formal Rules and Regulations, its first standard operating procedure manual, and its first formal officer training program.
MissionDedicated to providing the highest level of professional fire suppression, fire prevention and emergency medical services possible.
Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS hires Firefighter/Paramedics who respond to medical and trauma emergencies and structure fires, and who maintain department buildings, quarters, and equipment. The department accepts both entry-level and lateral candidates, with preference given to those who have completed the Connecticut Fire Academy's Recruit Firefighter Program.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (technical school accepted)
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with mechanical-related tools/equipment
- Licensed as a Paramedic by the Connecticut Office of EMS, or eligible to transfer an out-of-state Paramedic certification to Connecticut
- Must pass a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within 24 months prior to appointment
- Vision and hearing must meet NFPA 1582 standards
- Must pass a comprehensive physical examination and drug screening
Hiring process
- Submit application through the Town of Manchester employment portal
- Written examination (100% weight of initial score; 70% required to pass)
- CPAT physical agility test (pass/fail)
- Department interview for top-scoring candidates
- Background, medical, and psychological screening prior to appointment
Preference given to candidates who have successfully completed the Connecticut Fire Academy's Recruit Firefighter Program; firefighting/fire prevention experience, EMT background, or an Associate's degree in Fire Science is desirable.
Does Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS accept lateral firefighter candidates?
Yes. The department accepts lateral transfers in addition to entry-level candidates, with preference given to applicants who have completed the Connecticut Fire Academy's Recruit Firefighter Program.
What certification is required to be hired as a Manchester Firefighter/Paramedic?
Candidates must be licensed as a Paramedic by the Connecticut Office of EMS, or be eligible to transfer an out-of-state paramedic certification to Connecticut, in addition to passing a CPAT within 24 months of appointment.
How many stations does Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS operate?
MFRE staffs five stations throughout the Town of Manchester following the 2023 merger with the Eighth Utilities District Fire Department.
What does Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS respond to?
The department responds to fire suppression, advanced life support EMS, technical/specialized rescue, hazardous materials, and disaster mitigation calls, with EMS incidents making up the large majority of its roughly 10,600 annual calls.