Watch

Fire Department · Career

Dunedin Fire Department

Dunedin, FL · Pinellas County

Address
1046 Virginia St, Dunedin, FL, 34698 7325
3Stations
10 sq miArea
35,935Population

Active openings

About Dunedin Fire Department

Dunedin Fire Rescue serves the City of Dunedin, a full-service community on Florida's Gulf coast in Pinellas County. The department pairs emergency response with fire and health-safety education, and its firefighters cross-train as paramedics to deliver advanced life support alongside fire suppression.

Dunedin covers a built-out land area of about 10 square miles and a year-round population of roughly 35,900, swelling by several thousand seasonal residents in the winter months. The city is known for its small-town atmosphere and lively downtown, once voted "The Best Little Walking Town in America."

The department is led by Fire Chief Michael Handoga, who was sworn in during a November 2025 ceremony that also promoted several leadership positions and welcomed new firefighters. The city has pursued a federal SAFER grant to add firefighter/paramedic positions, signaling active growth in staffing.

MissionTo promote fire and health safety preparedness through prevention and education, and to respond in emergency situations to enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

How to get hired

Dunedin Fire Rescue hires firefighter/paramedics through the City of Dunedin's Human Resources department, and the firefighter/paramedic role is posted as an ongoing opening. Candidates apply through the city's employment portal.

Because the department provides paramedic-level care, applicants are expected to hold Florida firefighter and paramedic certifications and to meet Pinellas County EMS credentialing requirements. Check the city's Human Resources job listings for current openings and specific application steps.

Requirements

  • Florida State Firefighter certification
  • Certification as a Florida Paramedic
  • Pinellas County EMT/Paramedic certification

Leadership & hiring contacts

Michael Handoga
Fire Chief

Frequently asked questions

What certifications do I need to be a Dunedin firefighter/paramedic?

The department provides advanced life support, so applicants are expected to hold Florida firefighter and paramedic certifications and to meet Pinellas County EMS credentialing requirements.

Is Dunedin Fire Rescue currently hiring?

The firefighter/paramedic position is posted as an ongoing opening with the City of Dunedin, and the department recently added new firefighters.

How do I apply for a job with Dunedin Fire Rescue?

Applications are handled through the City of Dunedin's Human Resources and Risk Management department; check its job listings for current firefighter/paramedic openings and application steps.

Who leads Dunedin Fire Rescue?

Michael Handoga serves as Fire Chief, sworn in during a November 2025 ceremony after succeeding retired Chief Jeffrey Parks.

What does the department do besides fight fires?

Beyond emergency response, Dunedin Fire Rescue focuses on fire and health-safety preparedness through prevention and public education.