Fire Department · Career
Thornton Fire Department
Thornton, CO · Adams County
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Department careers page ↗Thornton Fire Department traces its roots to an all-volunteer operation in the 1950s that ran a single 1924 fire truck. The department merged with the West Adams County Fire Protection District in 1994 before re-establishing as its own independent municipal department on January 1, 2000. Since then it has grown steadily alongside the city, opening new stations in 2003, 2018, 2020, and 2023, with an eighth station planned to open in 2026.
Today the department operates 7 operational 24-hour fire stations staffed by 152 full-time employees, responding to structure fires, medical emergencies, technical rescues, and hazardous materials incidents across the city. Beyond emergency response, Thornton Fire Department runs fire code enforcement and building inspections, public fire safety education (including senior safety and car seat safety programs), fire investigation, and community outreach through the Thornton Fire Foundation and the Ken Freiberg Fire Museum.
MissionThe City of Thornton Fire Department mitigates the public safety needs of the community by providing services quickly, competently, and compassionately.
Thornton Fire Department hires Firefighter Recruits (entry-level or lateral) for periodic fire academy classes. Applicants must hold current CPAT certification at the time of application and an EMT-Basic or higher medical certification, with paramedic certification preferred. The department runs its own approximately six-month paid EMT/Fire Academy covering Firefighter I & II, hazmat awareness/operations, driver/operator basics, and EMT-Basic certification.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license with a safe driving record
- Current CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) certification required at time of application
- EMT-Basic or higher medical certification (Paramedic preferred)
- Pass entry-level oral board examination
- Colorado State Firefighter I certification preferred; required within one year of hire
- No marijuana use within the past year; no illegal drug use within the past 5 years
- No drug/alcohol convictions within the past 3 years
- No driver's license suspension/loss or reckless driving within the past 3 years
Hiring process
- Submit application and complete document review
- Interview invitations sent via email
- In-person interviews and assessments
- Conditional offer of employment
- Backgrounds, psychological evaluation, physical exam, and references
- Final offer
- Academy start date
Benefits
Paid fire academy, paid vacation and sick days, tuition reimbursement, retiree health insurance, FPPA pension matching, and multi-lingual pay incentive. Longevity pay adds 2% of annual base pay per five completed years of service, capped at 12% after 30 years.
The EMT/Fire Academy runs approximately six months and is paid, with recruits working as full-time benefited employees. Training covers firefighting, EMT, hazmat response, and driver/operator fundamentals, earning Firefighter I & II (NFPA 1001), Hazmat Awareness & Operations, Driver/Operator-Utility, and EMT-Basic certifications.
How do I become a firefighter with Thornton Fire Department?
Candidates must hold current CPAT certification, an EMT-Basic or higher medical certification (paramedic preferred), and a valid driver's license, then apply during an open recruitment window for that year's fire academy class, which includes an oral board, conditional offer, background and psychological evaluation, and physical exam before a final offer.
Does Thornton Fire Department accept lateral transfers?
Yes. Recruitment postings for the fire academy are open to both entry-level and lateral candidates.
What is the work schedule for Thornton firefighters?
Firefighters work a 48/96 schedule: 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off, with shifts beginning and ending at 7:00 a.m.
Is the Thornton Fire Academy paid?
Yes, the roughly six-month EMT/Fire Academy is paid, and recruits are full-time employees with benefits during training.
Can I do a ride-along with Thornton Fire Department before applying?
Yes, ride-alongs for potential applicants can be scheduled prior to that year's application opening.