Fire Department · Combination
Walton County Fire Rescue
Defuniak Springs, FL · Walton County
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Department careers page ↗Walton County Fire Rescue (WCFR) is the full-service fire rescue agency for unincorporated Walton County north of Choctawhatchee Bay and the City of Freeport in Florida's panhandle. It delivers fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical services from a network of 12 fire rescue districts spanning communities such as DeFuniak Springs, Freeport, Paxton, Glendale, Mossy Head, and Argyle.
The department has been operated by the Walton County Sheriff's Office since April 2017, integrating fire and EMS under the WCSO umbrella. More than 100 trained fire rescue professionals staff the organization.
Beyond ground operations, WCFR runs Walton Air Rescue, an air medical program, expanding its reach across a large, partly rural service area. The agency currently holds an ISO rating of 04/4X and is working toward a Class 3 rating.
Fire rescue hiring is handled through the Walton County Sheriff's Office. Candidates apply through the WCSO Career Opportunities page and can reach the Human Resources department at hr@waltonso.org or (850) 892-8186 for openings and application guidance. WCSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages veterans to apply, with certain service members potentially eligible for educational-requirement waivers under Florida law.
After applying, candidates move through a structured process that includes a hiring-board interview, a Fire Rescue Physical Abilities Test (PAT), and a polygraph examination. Testing takes place at the Admin Office in DeFuniak Springs.
Requirements
- Pass the Fire Rescue Physical Abilities Test (PAT) in 4 minutes 19 seconds or less
- Submit a signed Release of Liability and a Physician's Clearance to Test form for the PAT
- Complete a polygraph examination (approximately three hours)
Hiring process
- Submit an application through the Walton County Sheriff's Office
- Interview with the hiring board
- Complete the Fire Rescue Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
- Complete a polygraph examination
Benefits
Employee benefits are detailed in the WCSO Digital Benefits Booklet. WCSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages veterans to apply.
How do I apply for a firefighter job with Walton County Fire Rescue?
Fire rescue hiring runs through the Walton County Sheriff's Office. Apply via the WCSO Career Opportunities page, or contact Human Resources at hr@waltonso.org or (850) 892-8186.
What is the hiring process?
After you apply, you interview with the hiring board, complete the Fire Rescue Physical Abilities Test (PAT), and complete a polygraph examination. Testing is held at the Admin Office in DeFuniak Springs.
What does the Physical Abilities Test involve?
The Fire Rescue PAT includes carrying, lifting, and dragging tasks and must be completed in 4 minutes 19 seconds or less. Candidates wear BDU-style pants, a T-shirt, and tennis shoes; the department provides the bunker jacket, helmet, gloves, and air pack. A signed Release of Liability and a Physician's Clearance to Test form are required.
Are veterans encouraged to apply?
Yes. WCSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages veterans to apply, and certain service members may be eligible for educational-requirement waivers under Florida law.
Who runs Walton County Fire Rescue?
The Walton County Sheriff's Office has operated the fire rescue agency since April 2017, integrating fire suppression, prevention, and EMS under WCSO.