Fire Department · Career
Bradford Fire Department
Bradford, PA · McKean County
About 20 sworn full-time firefighters serving roughly 7,800 residents from two stations; responded to 371 fire calls and 2,423 EMS calls in 2022.
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Department careers page ↗The Bradford Fire Department is an all-career department that has served the city of Bradford, Pennsylvania for more than 100 years, operating out of two stations including its Central Fire Station on Chestnut Street. The department holds an ISO Class 3 rating and is staffed by roughly 20 sworn, full-time firefighters who respond to all-hazards emergencies within the city limits.
Beyond fire suppression and emergency response, the department delivers Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance service to Bradford and surrounding townships. In 2022 the department responded to 371 fire-related calls and 2,423 EMS calls, reflecting an EMS-heavy call volume typical of a small-city all-career department.
New firefighters are hired through the City of Bradford's Municipal Civil Service Commission, which periodically administers an entry-level Firefighter EMT/Paramedic examination combining physical agility, written, and oral components. Hired firefighters join the department under an IAFF union contract and must establish residency within 15 air miles of the Central Fire Station within 90 days of appointment.
The Bradford Fire Department hires entry-level firefighters through the City of Bradford's Municipal Civil Service Commission. When a testing cycle opens, candidates apply for the position of Firefighter EMT/Paramedic and must pass a physical agility test, written examination, and oral interview, followed by background investigation and a medical exam/drug screening, before being placed on a certified eligibility list that the Commission may draw from for up to two years.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization papers)
- At least 18 years old on the date of the written examination
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license in good standing
- Excellent moral character; able to pass PA Act 34 criminal history, Act 151 child abuse history, and FBI fingerprint-based background clearances
- Must establish residency within 15 air miles of the Bradford Central Fire Station within 90 days of appointment
Hiring process
- Submit application with $25 non-refundable test fee by the posted deadline
- Physical agility test (pass/fail)
- Written examination (minimum passing score 70%)
- Oral interview/examination (minimum passing score 70%)
- Background investigation
- Medical examination and drug screening
- Placement on Civil Service Commission eligibility list (valid up to 2 years)
Benefits
Firefighters receive an employee benefits package and scheduled longevity pay increases under the department's IAFF union contract; qualified veterans receive a 10-point preference added to their exam score.
How do I become a firefighter with the Bradford Fire Department?
You apply through the City of Bradford's Municipal Civil Service Commission when a Firefighter EMT/Paramedic examination is announced. The process includes a physical agility test, a written exam, an oral interview, a background investigation, and a medical exam/drug screening, after which passing candidates are placed on a certified eligibility list.
What are the requirements to apply to the Bradford Fire Department?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years old on the exam date, hold a high school diploma or GED, have a valid driver's license, be of good moral character, and pass PA and FBI background clearances. Firefighters must also live within 15 air miles of the Bradford Central Fire Station within 90 days of being hired.
Does the Bradford Fire Department hire EMTs and paramedics?
Yes. The department's entry-level position is Firefighter EMT/Paramedic, and starting pay is higher for candidates who hold a paramedic certification versus an EMT certification.
How many stations does the Bradford Fire Department have?
The department operates two fire stations, including its Central Fire Station at 25 Chestnut St. in Bradford, PA.
What is the residency requirement for Bradford firefighters?
Newly appointed full-time firefighters must establish residency within 15 air miles of the Bradford Central Fire Station within 90 days of their appointment date.