Fire Department · Career
Canton Fire Department
Canton, MI · Wayne County
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Department careers page ↗Canton Fire Department is a full-service career agency serving Canton Township, a growing community of almost 99,000 residents in Wayne County, Michigan. The department traces its roots to 1950, when it began as an all-volunteer outfit running a single 1950 Ford Big Job pumper out of a station at Canton Center and Cherry Hill; it transitioned to a career force in the early 1970s after a fatal house fire prompted the township to add full-time staff, and its firefighters chartered IAFF Local 2289 in 1974.
Today the department runs three fire stations covering distinct response districts, delivering fire suppression, advanced life support ambulance transport, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention and code enforcement, and public education across the township. A fourth station is planned for the Michigan Avenue and Lilley Road area to keep pace with growth on the community's southwest side.
Canton Fire Department firefighter/paramedics work 24-hour shifts on a 53.1-hour work week and are represented by IAFF Local 2289. The department continues to recruit firefighter/paramedics through a structured testing and interview process administered with the Conference of Western Wayne.
MissionThe Canton Fire Department exists to serve the residents, businesses and visitors of Canton Township by providing professional all-hazards incident response including emergency medical services, fire prevention, public education and code enforcement.
Canton Fire Department hires firefighter/paramedics directly into a career, ambulance-transport-capable fire service. Candidates must hold Michigan Firefighter II certification at time of application and a current Michigan Paramedic certification by the time of a final offer, and must pass the Conference of Western Wayne (CWW) written exam and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) before moving through oral boards and an eligibility list.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED (Associate's degree in Fire Science preferred)
- Michigan Firefighter II certification (or IFSAC/Pro Board accredited equivalent) at time of application
- Current Michigan Paramedic certification at time of final job offer
- ACLS certification prior to hire
- Successful completion of the Conference of Western Wayne (CWW) Written exam within the past three years
- Successful completion of the Conference of Western Wayne (CWW) Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within the past year
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving history
Hiring process
- Submit employment application during an open posting period
- Complete CWW Written exam and CPAT testing
- Selection questionnaire screening
- Oral board interview (competitive selection)
- Placement on eligibility list (valid 12 months)
- Contingent job offer
- Public Safety background check
- Psychological evaluation
- Pre-employment physical and drug screening
- HR orientation and department training
- One-year probationary period
Benefits
MERS defined-benefit pension with a 2.5% multiplier at 25 years of service, up to 432 paid hours annually including 14 paid holidays and Kelley days, parental leave, 100% tuition reimbursement up to a Master's degree, health and wellness programs, on-site fitness facilities, disability coverage, and Summit on the Park recreation membership.
How do I apply to become a Canton firefighter/paramedic?
Applicants apply online during open posting periods, then must complete the Conference of Western Wayne (CWW) written exam and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), a selection questionnaire, and a competitive oral board interview before being placed on a 12-month eligibility list.
What certifications do I need to be hired by Canton Fire Department?
Applicants need Michigan Firefighter II certification (or an IFSAC/Pro Board equivalent) at the time of application, and must hold a current Michigan Paramedic certification and ACLS certification by the time of a final job offer.
What does a Canton firefighter/paramedic earn?
Under the 2026 contract, base salary starts at $63,067 and increases to $75,169 after one year, alongside a MERS defined-benefit pension with a 2.5% multiplier at 25 years of service.
How many stations does Canton Fire Department operate?
The department operates three fire stations covering Canton Township's roughly 36-square-mile service area, with a fourth station planned near Michigan Avenue and Lilley Road.
Who represents Canton firefighters?
Canton Fire Department firefighter/paramedics are represented by IAFF Local 2289, chartered in 1974.