Fire Department · Combination
Danbury Fire Department
Danbury, CT · Western Connecticut County
120 career members staff 5 stations (five engine companies, a two-vehicle rescue company, an aerial truck company, and a command vehicle), supported by 136 volunteer members across 12 companies organized into two battalions plus four independent companies
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Danbury Fire Department describes itself as an all-hazard emergency response agency whose members respond to structure fires, hazardous material incidents, medical emergencies, flooding, motor vehicle accidents, aircraft incidents, and a wide range of other calls for a city of 44 square miles and a resident population of more than 82,000 (with over 100,000 additional daily commuters, students, and shoppers). The department is organized into a Career Division and a Volunteer Division, supported by a Community Risk Reduction Division led by the Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshals, which investigates fires and explosions and reviews plans and inspects buildings for code compliance.
The 120-member Career Division staffs five fire stations around the clock with five engine companies, a two-vehicle rescue company, an aerial truck company, and a command vehicle. The 136-member Volunteer Division serves through twelve volunteer companies, organized into two battalions (Battalion 19 and Battalion 31) plus four additional independent companies, with members serving as firefighters, fire police, and apparatus engineers and undergoing training comparable to career staff. Danbury is also a keystone of Connecticut's regional emergency response plan, staffing state-assigned resources including a Hazardous Material Response Vehicle, a Petrochemical Response Foam Trailer, a Mass Hazardous Material Decontamination Trailer, and a Mass Casualty Trailer that can be deployed regionally or statewide.
The department emphasizes ongoing training and education for its members, including coursework taught at its headquarters through Naugatuck Valley Community College, and notes that members hold certificates from national and state fire academies as well as associate's through master's degrees.
MissionOur core mission is to provide for the safety and security of citizens and visitors to Danbury.
Danbury hires entry-level career firefighters through the City of Danbury's Civil Service process. Applicants apply online, are reviewed by the Civil Service Commission, and if accepted must complete an online Entry Level Firefighter Exam; a passing score of 70 (plus any veterans' points) places candidates in rank order on a certified Eligibility List used to fill vacancies as they occur. All new hires attend the 15-week paid Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Program unless they graduated from it within the last three years while serving at another Connecticut department. EMT certification is preferred but not required at hire; new hires without it must obtain certification within one year, and the department provides EMT classes after Academy completion.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- At least 18 years of age
- Valid driver's license
- 20/50 vision in each eye, correctable to 20/20
- Normal hearing without use of a hearing aid or other device
- Current CPAT card preferred (must be within one year of interview date)
- Tobacco free at time of employment and afterward
- EMT certification preferred (must be obtained within one year of hire if not already held)
Hiring process
- Submit an application through the City of Danbury job opportunities portal
- Application reviewed by the Civil Service Commission
- If accepted, complete an online Entry Level Fire Fighter Exam by the stated deadline
- A passing average score of 70 (plus any applicable veterans' points) places the applicant on a ranked Eligibility List
- The Civil Service Commission certifies the Eligibility List, which is used to fill vacancies as they occur
- Attend the 15-week paid Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Program (waived if graduated within the last 3 years and served at another CT department)
Benefits
Medical and dental insurance for the employee and family, a retirement pension, paid sick leave, holiday pay, a uniform stipend, a Danbury resident stipend, bilingual benefits (Spanish, Portuguese), and tuition reimbursement.
All members complete the 15-week paid Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Program; candidates who graduated from the Academy within the last three years while serving at another Connecticut department are not required to attend again.
What are the minimum qualifications to apply?
A high school diploma or equivalent; at least 18 years of age; a valid driver's license; 20/50 vision in each eye correctable to 20/20; normal hearing without a hearing aid; a current CPAT card is preferred; tobacco free; and EMT certification is preferred.
What is CPAT?
The Candidate Physical Ability Test is an industry-standard physical fitness test. Every applicant must hold a CPAT card current within one year of their interview date.
Do I have to attend the Connecticut Fire Academy?
Yes, all members complete the 15-week paid Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Program, unless they graduated from it within the last three years while serving at another Connecticut department.
What would my work schedule be like if hired?
The department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and firefighters work 24-hour shifts followed by 72 hours off, averaging about 42 hours per week.
What are the benefits of being a career firefighter?
Medical and dental insurance for the employee and family, a retirement pension, paid sick leave, holiday pay, a uniform stipend, a Danbury resident stipend, bilingual benefits (Spanish, Portuguese), and tuition reimbursement.