Fire Department · Career
Galveston Fire Department
Galveston, TX · Galveston County
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Department careers page ↗Galveston Fire Department runs six fire stations spread the length of Galveston Island, from downtown's Station 1 to Station 7 at Pirates Beach and Station 8 at Sea Isle, reflecting the department's unique geography as an island community. Suppression operations are staffed by 115 uniformed personnel working three shifts, running four-person engine companies to comply with NFPA's two-in/two-out rule, and the fleet includes six engine companies, two truck companies, two battalion chief units, and three brush trucks.
Beyond structural firefighting, GFD provides fire prevention and public education through its Fire Marshal's Office, emergency medical first response, disaster management, and marine response given the department's coastal and island setting. The department does not run ambulance transport itself, focusing instead on first-response EMS alongside its fire suppression mission.
MissionThe Galveston Fire Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety services for the community.
Galveston Fire Department hires through the City's civil service system. Candidates who pass the civil service exam move through physical agility testing, an interview board, and a Fire Chief interview before receiving a conditional offer contingent on background, medical, and drug screening.
Requirements
- Age 19-35 prior to employment start
- Basic Structural Fire Protection certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP)
- Current EMT certification (AEMT preferred)
- High school diploma or GED
- U.S. citizenship
- Valid Texas driver's license
- Good physical condition
- No felony convictions
Hiring process
- Pass the Civil Service examination
- Complete physical agility testing (GPAT)
- Submit application and required documentation
- Participate in an interview board
- Interview with the Fire Chief
- Verify certifications and licenses
- Accept a conditional job offer
- Pass pre-employment physical and drug screening
Benefits
Paid vacation and sick leave, health and life insurance, a pension, paid training, and monthly education incentive pay ($20-$185) for TCFP certifications, degrees, and paramedic credentials.
How do I become a firefighter with Galveston Fire Department?
Applicants pass the Civil Service examination, complete physical agility testing (GPAT), submit an application, go through an interview board and a Fire Chief interview, then accept a conditional offer pending a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
What are the requirements to apply to Galveston Fire Department?
Candidates must be 19-35 years old before their employment start date, hold TCFP Basic Structural Fire Protection certification, current EMT certification (AEMT preferred), a high school diploma or GED, U.S. citizenship, a valid Texas driver's license, and no felony convictions.
Does Galveston Fire Department require paramedic certification?
No. The department requires EMT Basic certification (AEMT preferred) and does not run ambulance transport, but it does offer monthly education incentive pay for advanced certifications including paramedic credentials.
What is the pay and work schedule for Galveston firefighters?
Pay starts at $65,465 for Firefighter Trainee and progresses up to $125,806 for Battalion Chief III. Firefighters work a 48/96 schedule.