Fire Department · Career
Springfield Fire Department
Springfield, MA · Hampden County
Third-largest city in Massachusetts
Springfield Fire and Emergency Services protects the City of Springfield, the third-largest city in Massachusetts, covering about 33 square miles and roughly 157,000 residents from eight fire stations. Founded in 1794, it is one of the oldest fire departments in the country.
The department fields 8 engine companies, 4 truck companies, a heavy rescue squad, and 2 tactical EMS units, with 2 district chiefs on duty around the clock. Staffing includes about 274 sworn members plus administrative, dispatch, and emergency-communications personnel, supported by a budget exceeding $28 million.
Beyond fire suppression, crews respond to medical emergencies, explosions, and hazardous materials incidents, and the department runs arson investigation, fire prevention and inspections, public safety education, and community outreach programs such as Community Connect.
MissionThe Springfield Fire Department is committed to providing the highest quality emergency response and fire prevention services possible for those living in, working in, or visiting the City of Springfield.
Firefighter hiring in Springfield runs through the Massachusetts Civil Service system: candidates must pass the state-wide written firefighter examination and be placed on the resulting eligible list, from which the city hires. Applicants must be at least 19 years old as of the last date to apply for the open competitive exam and hold a valid Massachusetts driver's license.
Selection continues with a physical abilities test, a medical examination (passed before the physical test), a background/character review, and potentially a psychological evaluation and oral interview. Firefighters hired from the eligible list are prohibited from smoking tobacco products. Watch the Massachusetts Civil Service schedule for the next open firefighter exam.
Requirements
- At least 19 years old as of the last date to apply for the open competitive examination
- Pass the Massachusetts state-wide written firefighter examination
- Valid Massachusetts driver's license
- Pass a physical abilities test
- Pass a medical examination
- Pass a background check for character assessment
- Prohibited from smoking tobacco products if hired from the eligible list
Hiring process
- Pass the Massachusetts state-wide written examination
- Pass the medical examination
- Pass the physical abilities test
- Complete a psychological evaluation (may be required)
- Pass a background check for character assessment
- Complete an oral job interview (may be conducted)
How do I become a Springfield firefighter?
Hiring is done through the Massachusetts Civil Service system. You must take and pass the state-wide written firefighter examination, be placed on the eligible list, and then move through medical, physical abilities, background, and interview steps.
What are the basic requirements to apply?
You must be at least 19 years old as of the last date to apply for the open competitive exam and hold a valid Massachusetts driver's license.
What does the hiring process involve after the written exam?
Candidates must pass a medical examination (before the physical), a physical abilities test, a background/character check, and possibly a psychological evaluation and an oral interview.
Are there any lifestyle requirements for new hires?
Yes. Firefighters hired from the eligible list resulting from the examination are prohibited from smoking tobacco products.
When is the next firefighter exam?
The state-wide firefighter examination is administered periodically by Massachusetts Civil Service. Check the Massachusetts Civil Service schedule and the department's employment page for the current exam and application dates.