Fire Department · Combination
Frederick County Division Of Fire And Rescue Services
Frederick, MD · Frederick County
“"Your Mission Starts Here"”
largest county in Maryland
The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) is a combination career-and-volunteer organization that delivers fire suppression, emergency medical care, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, water rescue, life-safety education, fire prevention, and arson investigation across Frederick County, Maryland.
Frederick County spans roughly 662 square miles, making it the largest county in Maryland. With more than 30 fire stations, DFRS responds to nearly 40,000 calls for service each year.
The career side is organized under a Fire Chief/Director and deputy chiefs leading Emergency Services, Administrative Services, and the volunteer division, and it is headquartered at 5370 Public Safety Place in Frederick.
DFRS hires career firefighter recruits through an annual cycle. Candidates apply online (the next window runs July 1-31, 2026), then move through a written exam, a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), an interview, a conditional offer, and background, medical, and psychological screening before a final offer. The full process can take up to six months.
Applications are submitted via the county's careers portal (governmentjobs.com/careers/frederickmd). EMT certification is preferred and earns bonus points, as do higher education, paramedic certification, volunteer experience, and military service. New hires complete a paid 28-week academy.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- Must pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Must pass a medical evaluation per NFPA 1582 standards
- Complete and submit a Recruit Background Packet before the interview
- EMT certification preferred (bonus points awarded)
- No tobacco product use in any form throughout employment
Hiring process
- Submit online application (July 1-31, 2026)
- Written exam and CPAT orientation
- CPAT mentorship and testing
- Interview
- Conditional offer
- Background check
- Medical evaluation
- Psychological evaluation
- Final offer
Benefits
New recruits are paid from their hire date and complete a paid 28-week academy. DFRS offers tuition reimbursement at any accredited college of the employee's choice.
28-week academy; non-residential, typically Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-4 p.m. with some evenings and weekends. It is a paid position.
How do I apply to become a career firefighter?
Applications are submitted online through the county careers portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/frederickmd. The next recruit application window runs July 1-31, 2026.
What are the basic requirements?
You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license, and pass the CPAT and a medical evaluation. EMT certification is preferred and earns bonus points.
What does the hiring process look like?
After the online application come a written exam, CPAT testing, an interview, a conditional offer, and background, medical, and psychological evaluations before a final offer. The full process can take up to six months.
Is the academy paid, and how long is it?
Yes. The academy is a paid position and runs 28 weeks. It is non-residential, typically Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some evenings and weekends.
Do I need to be an EMT or paramedic before applying?
It is not required, but EMT certification is preferred and awards bonus points. Bonus points are also given for paramedic certification, higher education, volunteer experience, and military service.
Is there a maximum age to apply?
No. There is no maximum age limit; applicants must be at least 18 years old.