Fire Department · Career
Villages Public Safety Department
The Villages, FL · Sumter County
“A premier, full-service, all-hazards, high-performance Fire and Emergency Medical Rescue agency”
Join The Villages Public Safety Department as a Firefighter/EMT with up to $17 hourly pay, full medical coverage, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement.
Up to $22/hour for a Paramedic Firefighter role at The Villages Public Safety Department, with full medical coverage and retirement benefits.
The Villages Public Safety Department (VPSD) is an all-hazards, high-performance fire rescue and Advanced Life Support (ALS) EMS agency serving The Villages, a large master-planned community in Central Florida. Founded in 1999 with a single station and 12 firefighters, it has grown over more than 25 years into one of Florida's most respected fire and EMS providers.
Today the department operates 10 stations staffed by 250+ firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs, covering more than 100 square miles and a population of 150,000+ residents. In fiscal year 2024-2025 it answered 27,633 calls for service, with an average response time of about 5 minutes and 28 seconds.
VPSD holds an ISO Class 2/2Y rating (2023), among the highest fire-protection ratings available, and its personnel are represented by IAFF Local 4770. The department is organized as a dependent district under The Villages Community Development Districts.
VPSD hires Firefighter/EMTs, Firefighter/Paramedics, and single-certification Paramedics. Candidates apply online through the district's careers portal (searching the keyword "fire" or "public safety"), and can typically expect an interview to be scheduled within about three weeks.
The selection process centers on a panel interview combined with hands-on EMS skills stations, attended in business attire, followed by feedback roughly two weeks later. The district funds fire and EMS certifications and offers paramedic-school and college-tuition assistance, making it accessible to candidates building their credentials.
Hiring process
- Submit an online application using the keyword "fire" or "public safety"
- Wait for interview scheduling (approximately three weeks)
- Attend a panel interview with EMS skills assessment stations in business attire
- Receive feedback (approximately two weeks after the interview)
Benefits
Fully funded fire and EMS certifications; paramedic school assistance up to $6,000; college reimbursement up to 50% (max $3,000/year); employer-paid 401(a) retirement with 20% plus 3% match; health and disability insurance; 7-12 paid vacation shifts per year; 72 hours of holiday leave; and 120 hours of sick leave per year.
What firefighter and EMS positions does The Villages hire for?
The department hires Firefighter/EMTs, Firefighter/Paramedics, and single-certification Paramedics.
What does the job pay?
Firefighter/EMT starts at $52,500.36/year, single-cert Paramedic at $59,793.12/year, and Firefighter/Paramedic at $67,515.46/year, plus transport stipends ranging up to $5,824-$8,736 per year depending on role.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the district's careers portal, searching the keyword "fire" or "public safety." After you apply, an interview is typically scheduled within about three weeks.
What is the interview process like?
Candidates attend a panel interview combined with hands-on EMS skills assessment stations, in business attire, and receive feedback roughly two weeks afterward.
Does the department help pay for certifications and school?
Yes. Fire and EMS certifications are fully funded, paramedic school is supported up to $6,000, and college courses are reimbursed up to 50% (max $3,000 per year).
What retirement benefits are offered?
The district provides an employer-paid 401(a) retirement plan with a 20% plus 3% match, along with health and disability insurance and generous paid leave.