Fire Department · Combination
Benton County Fire Protection District #1
Kennewick, WA · Benton County
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Department careers page ↗Benton County Fire District #1 was established on September 23, 1946, with its first engine originally housed in a Kennewick city fire station. The district has since built out six operational fire stations plus a maintenance facility and administration center, with Station 1 (built in 1958 at 27th Avenue and Olympia Street) still in service alongside stations added through 1992.
Today the district is a combination department, blending career staff, volunteer firefighters, and a resident/intern firefighter program to cover roughly 320 square miles and more than 19,000 residents in southeast Benton County. Beyond structural fire suppression, the district responds to emergency medical calls, hazardous materials incidents, and traffic incidents along interstate highways, rail lines, and the Columbia River corridor running through its coverage area.
Much of the district's staffing model centers on its volunteer and resident firefighter program, which houses qualified volunteers at fire stations in exchange for tuition reimbursement, lodging, and a monthly stipend while they respond as working members of the company.
MissionDedicated to providing the highest level of public safety services to our community
Benton County Fire District #1 is primarily a volunteer/resident firefighter organization; new members apply through an online membership application and go through a multi-step vetting process before joining a company as a working member.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid Washington State driver's license with an insurable driving record
- No felony convictions within the past seven years
- Able to read and write English
- Reside within ten miles of a District fire station
- Pass entrance, physical, and drug screening exams
- Capable of sustained arduous work
Hiring process
- Complete the online or paper membership application
- Submit high school diploma, driver's license, and 5-year driving abstract
- Administrative staff sends additional required documentation
- Office reviews the application; coordinator requests a background check
- Station captain schedules a station tour and drill observation
- Coordinator contacts the candidate before recruit school
- Pass written, oral, and agility assessments, triggering a physician referral
- Pass the physical exam; application goes to the Fire Chief and Board
- Upon Board approval, begin training and receive equipment
Benefits
Volunteer/resident members receive coverage under the Volunteer Relief and Pension Fund, a $10,000 life insurance policy, death and disability coverage, reimbursement for approved fire-related college courses, additional training classes, biennial medical physicals, and $9.60 per emergency response or training session.
Candidates attend recruit school as part of the onboarding process after passing background, written, oral, and physical agility assessments.
How large is Benton County Fire District #1's coverage area?
The district covers roughly 320 square miles of southeast Benton County, serving more than 19,000 residents plus interstate, rail, and Columbia River traffic.
When was Benton County Fire District #1 established?
The district was established on September 23, 1946, with its first engine originally housed in a Kennewick city fire station.
How does the volunteer/resident firefighter program work?
Qualified volunteers reside at a fire station and respond as working members of the company, receiving tuition reimbursement, on-site lodging, and a monthly stipend.
What are the basic requirements to join as a volunteer firefighter?
Applicants must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED and a valid WA driver's license, have no felonies in the past seven years, live within ten miles of a district station, and pass entrance, physical, and drug screening.
Who leads Benton County Fire District #1?
Scott LoParco serves as Fire Chief, with Ryan Nicholls as Deputy Fire Chief serving as Operations Officer.