Fire Department · Career
Bartow Fire Department
Bartow, FL · Polk County
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Department careers page ↗The Bartow Fire Department protects the city of Bartow, Florida — the Polk County seat — covering roughly 56 square miles from its downtown station. The department dates to 1883, when four residents raised the funds to organize a community fire service, and it has fielded paid staff since its first two career members were hired in 1926.
Under Fire Chief Jay Robinson, the department runs a fire chief, two deputy chiefs, three lieutenants, and 15 firefighters across three shifts, supported by three cadets and an administrative staff member. Companies are EMT-staffed and handle emergency medical first response alongside suppression. The frontline fleet is one ladder truck, three engines, and a brush truck; a $1 million state appropriation is funding a new ladder truck expected in late 2026 or early 2027. The department also preserves its 1927 American LaFrance, one of the first ladder trucks in Polk County.
Beyond emergency response, the department installs smoke detectors, performs home fire-safety evaluations and business pre-incident surveys, offers blood-pressure checks at the station, serves as a safe baby drop-off point, and tests the city's fire hydrants annually. The fire chief also directs the city's emergency management function during hurricane season and other disasters.
MissionThe mission of the City of Bartow Fire Department is to protect life and property, through education and awareness as well as caring and efficient response with the highest quality service possible.
Bartow hires state-certified firefighters who already hold a Florida EMT or paramedic license; applications go through the City of Bartow's GovernmentJobs portal. Screening includes a criminal background investigation and reference checks, an oral interview, urinalysis, a physical examination with EKG, and a psychological evaluation. Driving history is scrutinized — a DUI within the past seven years or a license suspension within the past five years is an automatic disqualifier.
Shift personnel work 24 hours on and 48 off with a Kelly day every third week, and pay advances on a published step plan — 15 annual steps for firefighters and fire drivers, seven for lieutenants.
Requirements
- State of Florida certified firefighter
- State of Florida EMT or Paramedic license
- Current State of Florida driver's license
- High school diploma or GED
- Current CPR card
- Completion of the Florida Emergency Vehicle Operator Course
Hiring process
- Apply through the City of Bartow's GovernmentJobs portal
- Criminal background investigation and reference checks
- Oral interview
- Urinalysis drug screen
- Physical examination with EKG
- Psychological evaluation
Benefits
- Pension plus a 457(b) deferred compensation plan
- Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- 12 paid holidays plus two personal days
- Vacation from 96 to 192 hours per year based on tenure; sick leave accrues at 9.6 hours per month
- Educational assistance and wellness programs
Do you need experience to get hired by the Bartow Fire Department?
Recent recruit postings list zero to three years of related experience, so entry-level candidates are eligible — as long as they already hold Florida firefighter certification and a state EMT or paramedic license when they apply.
Can driving history disqualify a Bartow Fire Department applicant?
Yes. A DUI conviction within the past seven years, a reckless driving violation, a license suspension within the past five years, or excessive points on a license are automatic disqualifiers, and any false statement on the application also ends a candidacy.