Fire Department · Career
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue
Puyallup, WA · Pierce County
“"People Helping People"”
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue serves the communities of Frederickson, Graham, Kapowsin, Orting, Parkland, Puyallup, Spanaway, and South Hill in Pierce County, Washington. It covers about 178 square miles and roughly 331,000 residents from 20 fire stations, each staffed around the clock by career personnel.
The district was formed in 1996 from the merger of Fire Districts 6, 7, and 9. It expanded in 2009 to bring in the City of Puyallup and North Puyallup, and on January 1, 2026 it merged with Graham Fire & Rescue and Orting Valley Fire & Rescue, making it one of the larger fire agencies in the state.
Beyond fire suppression and emergency medical services, the district provides hazardous materials response and technical rescue, handling incidents ranging from drownings and climbing accidents to building collapses. Its work is guided by an ethos of compassion, trust, courage, humility, and ownership.
Central Pierce hires entry-level Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics through a multi-stage civil-service process. No prior fire experience is required, and EMT certification is not needed to apply because recruits complete EMT training during a paid 21-week academy at no cost. Applicants do need a current CPAT card (within 12 months) and a valid driver's license.
The process moves from an online application and online exam through an oral board, background investigation, chief's interview, conditional offer, psychological and medical evaluations, and finally a recruit academy. Washington State veterans' preference is applied. Applications for the current cycle are accepted through noon on August 3, 2026 via the district's GovernmentJobs portal.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old at time of employment
- Valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) certification obtained within the prior 12 months
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to pass all hiring phases
- EMT certification not required to apply (training provided during the paid academy)
Hiring process
- Obtain CPAT certification
- Submit online application
- Online exam (reading, math, reasoning, human relations, personality assessment)
- Oral board interview
- Background investigation
- Chief's interview
- Conditional offer
- Psychological evaluation
- Medical exam and drug screening
- Final offer and recruit academy
Benefits
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
- LEOFF Plan 2 retirement
- Deferred compensation (457 plan) with employer match
- 504 hours of annual paid time off
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Life insurance and disability benefits
Paid 21-week recruit academy that includes EMT training, typically 40 hours per week over four 10-hour days, with all equipment and training costs covered by the district.
Do I need to be an EMT or have fire experience to apply?
No. Prior fire service experience is not required, and EMT certification is not required to apply. EMT training is provided during the paid recruit academy at no cost to you.
What do I need before I apply?
You must be at least 18 at time of employment, hold a valid driver's license, and have a current CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) certification obtained within the previous 12 months.
What positions are being hired?
The district hires entry-level Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics.
What does the hiring process involve?
After the online application and online exam, candidates go through an oral board interview, background investigation, chief's interview, conditional offer, psychological evaluation, medical exam and drug screening, and then the recruit academy.
What is the recruit academy like?
It is a paid 21-week academy that includes EMT training, typically running 40 hours per week as four 10-hour days. All equipment and training costs are covered by the district.
What benefits are offered?
Benefits include 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, LEOFF Plan 2 retirement, a 457 deferred compensation plan with employer match, 504 hours of annual paid time off, an Employee Assistance Program, and life and disability insurance.