Fire Department · Career
Memphis Division Of Fire Services
Memphis, TN · Shelby County
Among the top 10 fire departments in the U.S.
Memphis Division Of Fire Services offers $47,653.32 annual salary for a fire alarm recruit position with no EMT requirement but mandatory EM Dispatcher certification within 3 months.
Memphis Division Of Fire Services seeks a Probationary Fire Alarm Operator earning $56,120.22 annually. Requires APCO TC or NENA Telecommunicator I certifications and CPR training.
The Memphis Division of Fire Services protects Tennessee's largest city with a workforce of over 1,700 commissioned firefighters operating out of 57 fire stations. The department holds an ISO Public Protection Classification of 1, the top rating, reflecting a high level of readiness across suppression, rescue, and prevention.
Memphis Fire is an all-hazards, transport-capable agency. Beyond fire suppression and rescue, it delivers emergency medical response and pre-hospital transport, hazardous materials response, confined space and special operations rescue, fire code enforcement, fire investigation, and community fire-safety education.
The department fields a deep apparatus fleet, reported as 52 engines, 20 trucks, 3 quints, 3 rescue trucks, and 40 ambulances, and answers more than 185,000 runs each year, placing it among the busiest and largest fire departments in the country.
MissionTeamwork with a commitment to excellence, compassion and immediate community protection. Leadership, with responsible financial management, strategic planning, and customer service.
Memphis Fire hires primarily through its Fire Recruit path, with additional openings for lateral hires, single-role and firefighter paramedics, fire alarm operators, and cadets. Candidates apply online through the department's recruitment portal, then move through a written assessment, the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT), background investigation, medical and psychological evaluations, and a conditional offer before entering the academy.
All new recruits complete a 13-week paid training program at the Memphis Fire Training Center, followed by a 12-month probationary period as a Fire Private I. EMT, AEMT, and paramedic certifications are taught in-house, so applicants do not need prior certification, though paramedic certification and knowledge of Memphis geography are preferred.
Requirements
- Between 19 and 45 years of age at date of employment
- High school graduate or equivalent (GED)
- Valid Class D driver's license (Tennessee or out-of-state) upon academy entry; must obtain a Tennessee license within 6 months
- Free of any felony and/or misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude
- Pass a medical exam meeting NFPA-1582 standards and the physical ability test
- Paramedic certification and knowledge of Memphis geography preferred
Hiring process
- Complete online application
- Application review and screening
- Written assessment exam
- Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT)
- Background investigation
- Medical assessment
- Psychological exam (written and interview)
- Contingent job offer, then final job offer
- Candidate processing session and HR orientation at the academy
- 13-week paid training program
Benefits
Health and life insurance with first-day coverage. New recruits enter a 13-week paid training program, and EMT/AEMT/Paramedic certifications are taught in-house at the Memphis Fire Training Center.
13 weeks of paid training at the Memphis Fire Training Center, followed by a 12-month probationary period as Fire Private I. EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic certifications are taught in-house.
What are the basic requirements to become a Memphis firefighter?
You must be between 19 and 45 years old at the date of employment, a high school graduate or hold an equivalent (GED), hold a valid Class D driver's license upon entering the academy, and be free of any felony or misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude. You must also pass an NFPA-1582 medical exam and a physical ability test.
Do I need to be a certified EMT or paramedic before applying?
No. EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic certifications are taught in-house at the Memphis Fire Training Center. Paramedic certification is listed as preferred but is not required to apply.
How much does a Memphis firefighter earn?
Fire Recruits start at $47,135.14. Pay rises with certification: Probationary EMT $55,512.60, Probationary AEMT $57,980.26, and Firefighter Paramedic $69,560.14.
What does the hiring process involve?
After you apply online, the process includes a written assessment exam, the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT), a background investigation, and medical and psychological evaluations, followed by a contingent and then final job offer before you enter the academy.
How long is the fire academy?
New recruits complete a 13-week paid training program at the Memphis Fire Training Center, then serve a 12-month probationary period as a Fire Private I.
Does Memphis Fire accept lateral firefighters?
Yes. Along with the Fire Recruit path, the department hires laterals, including Fire Private II lateral and Firefighter Paramedic lateral positions, as well as single-role paramedics, fire alarm operators, and cadets.