Fire Department · Combination
York City Department Of Fire/ Rescue Services
York, PA · York County
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when York City Department Of Fire/ Rescue Services is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗The City of York Fire Department is the largest combination fire department in York County, pairing 68 career firefighters and one civilian employee with 45 volunteer firefighters and fire police to protect the city's 5.26 square miles. The department traces its roots to nine historic volunteer fire companies -- Laurel, Rex Hook & Ladder, Vigilant, Union, Rescue, Goodwill, Royal, Eagle, and Lincoln -- whose names still identify the department's active stations today.
Four stations cover the city, including Station 1 (Rex/Laurel) on South Duke Street, recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating fire stations in the United States, established in 1877-78. Station 2 (Vigilant/Union) on West Market Street was built in 1973-74, Station 5 (Goodwill) on East Market Street dates to 1903, and Station 9 (Lincoln) on Roosevelt Avenue was constructed in 1946. Under Fire Chief Adam E. Smith and Deputy Chief Kevin E. Westover, the department handles emergency response, fire prevention, public education, fire investigation, and emergency management, including a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.
MissionProvide professional, courteous and effective emergency response to protect the lives and property of our citizens and visitors.
The City of York Fire Department hires Probationary Firefighters through FirefighterApp.com. No prior firefighting experience is required -- new hires attend a paid academy -- and the department offers annual step increases plus 50% college tuition reimbursement for fire science coursework.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent
- U.S. citizen or legal alien
- Valid driver's license
- No prior firefighting experience required
Hiring process
- Written test (reading comprehension, math, map/table interpretation)
- Physical agility test (pass/fail)
- Behavioral oral interview
- Background investigation
- Psychological evaluation
- Medical evaluation by designated physician
Benefits
14 days paid vacation, 14 paid holidays, medical/vision/dental insurance, prescription coverage, life insurance, a pension plan, longevity bonuses every five years through 25 years, and 50% college tuition reimbursement for fire science courses.
Paid academy training is provided; no prior firefighting experience is required to apply.
How do I become a firefighter with the City of York Fire Department?
Applicants apply through FirefighterApp.com for the Probationary Firefighter position. The selection process includes a written test, a pass/fail physical agility test, a behavioral oral interview, a background investigation, a psychological evaluation, and a medical evaluation. No prior firefighting experience is required, and new hires complete paid academy training.
What are the minimum requirements to apply?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, be a U.S. citizen or legal alien, and have a valid driver's license.
What is the starting salary for a York City firefighter?
The 2026 starting salary for a Probationary Firefighter is $43,993.58, with annual step increases for the first five years and longevity bonuses every five years thereafter.
How many stations and personnel does the York City Fire Department have?
The department operates four stations -- Station 1 (Rex/Laurel), Station 2 (Vigilant/Union), Station 5 (Goodwill), and Station 9 (Lincoln) -- staffed by 68 career firefighters, one civilian employee, and 45 volunteer firefighters and fire police, making it the largest combination department in York County.
Who leads the York City Fire Department?
The department is led by Fire Chief Adam E. Smith and Deputy Chief Kevin E. Westover.