Fire Department · Career
Mesa Fire and Medical Department
Mesa, AZ · Maricopa County
“Serve With C.A.R.E.”
21-station department serving more than half a million residents
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Mesa Fire and Medical Department (MFMD) protects one of Arizona's largest cities, serving more than half a million residents across roughly 138 square miles from 21 fire stations. Tracing its roots to 1898, the department marked 125 years of service in recent years.
The organization is large and full-service: about 438 sworn personnel backed by roughly 145 civilian support staff. The frontline fleet includes around 20 engines and 6 ladder companies, plus three Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) units covering two City of Mesa airports.
As the name suggests, medicine is central to the mission. In a recent year the department answered about 72,135 calls (nearly 200 a day), and roughly 84% of those were requests for medical help. MFMD holds an ISO Public Protection Classification of 2 and has maintained CFAI-accredited status for more than 20 consecutive years.
The department describes the people it wants as honest, compassionate, hardworking critical thinkers who thrive on a team, and frames its culture around serving with C.A.R.E. — Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.
MFMD hires firefighters in academy cycles rather than continuously, recruiting through the National Testing Network (NTN) written exam. Candidates apply during an open window, must already hold a valid CPAT card, then sit the NTN written test before advancing through the selection process to an eligibility list.
Arizona EMT or Paramedic certification is not required to apply or test, but must be obtained before the academy begins. Applicants who cannot certify in time may be offered a Fire Pre-Recruit position and complete an MFMD-sponsored EMT course, promoting into the next recruit academy once certified. The department does not accept lateral transfers from other agencies — all firefighters enter through the recruit academy.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card from a licensed CPAT agency at time of application
- Arizona EMT or Paramedic certification required before the academy start date (not required to apply or test)
- Valid Arizona Class D driver's license by hire/promotion date with an acceptable driving record
- Pass a pre-employment physical, psychological examination, and substance-abuse testing
Hiring process
- Submit application during the open recruitment window (a valid CPAT card is required to apply)
- Receive eligibility status notification
- Complete the National Testing Network (NTN) written examination
- Placement on the established eligibility list and advancement through the selection process
- Obtain Arizona EMT certification (or enter as a Fire Pre-Recruit to complete an MFMD-sponsored EMT course)
- Enter the MFMD Firefighter Recruit Training Academy
Recruits complete the MFMD Firefighter Recruit Training Academy, working 8- or 10-hour shifts on a 40-hour week during training in fire suppression, EMS, and emergency response (protective gear weighs roughly 70 pounds); firefighters then move to 12- or 24-hour shift schedules.
Do I need to be an EMT or paramedic to apply?
No. Arizona EMT or Paramedic certification is not required to apply or take the written test, but you must obtain it before the academy start date and keep it current. Candidates who cannot certify in time may be offered a Fire Pre-Recruit role and complete an MFMD-sponsored EMT course before promoting into a recruit academy.
Do I need a CPAT card to apply?
Yes. A valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card from a licensed CPAT agency is required at the time you apply, dated within the department's specified window for that academy.
Does Mesa accept lateral transfers from other fire departments?
No. Mesa Fire and Medical does not accept lateral transfers of firefighters from other departments. Everyone enters through the MFMD Firefighter Recruit Training Academy.
What does a firefighter recruit earn?
In a recent academy cycle, Firefighter Recruit pay was about $57,593 per year and rose to roughly $60,562 per year on promotion to Mesa Firefighter after the academy. A Fire Pre-Recruit position paid about $34,958 per year.
What are the basic requirements to become a Mesa firefighter?
You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid CPAT card, and by the hire date hold a valid Arizona Class D driver's license with an acceptable record. Candidates must also pass a pre-employment physical, a psychological exam, and substance-abuse testing.
How does the hiring process work?
Apply during an open recruitment window, then complete the National Testing Network (NTN) written exam. Eligible candidates are placed on an eligibility list and advance through the selection process toward a spot in the next Firefighter Recruit Academy.