Fire Department · Career
Meridian Fire Department
Meridian, ID · Ada County
About 146 total employees: 124 firefighters and 22 professional staff.
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Meridian Fire traces back to early 1908, when a group of volunteers tested a newly purchased chemical fire extinguisher and organized the city's first company under founding Chief Leroy Adams, serving a town of roughly 600 residents. The department grew through a string of long-tenured chiefs, most notably Roger Welker, who led it for 38 years starting in 1945, and formed a lasting partnership with the Rural Fire Protection District in the early 1950s that still shapes how the city and surrounding rural area are protected today. Current Fire Chief Kris Blume took over in February 2021 after Charlie Butterfield's stint as interim chief.
Today the department operates on roughly a $31.5 million budget with about 146 employees, including 124 firefighters and 22 professional staff, working out of eight fire stations plus a shared Public Safety Training Center and training tower. In February 2024 Meridian Fire earned accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), joining just over 300 departments worldwide with that designation, with status active through 2029.
The department describes itself as values-driven and mission-focused, built around guiding principles of compassion, professionalism, honesty, ownership, and trust, and works alongside IAFF Local 4627 to serve the city and its elected officials.
MissionTo Protect and Enhance our community through professionalism and compassion.
Meridian Fire aims to recruit, develop, and retain members aligned with its mission, vision, and values; the department describes itself as treating members like family rather than employees and hires only when driven by department need.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- At least 18 years of age at time of employment
- Valid, state-issued driver's license at time of application (a valid Idaho license is required within 30 days of hire)
- Must possess an EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic license to be eligible for the academy
- Must be legally able to work in the United States
Hiring process
- Application (with cover letter addressed to Meridian Fire Department)
- Written exam
- Physical fitness assessment
- Second-round interviews
- Conditional job offer
- Post-offer physical exam by department physician, including blood draw and stress test
- Background check
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance options; short- and long-term disability; vacation and holidays; sick and bereavement leave; post-retirement health care; and a 401(k) plan. Incentive pay is available for longevity, working out of class, education, Paramedic/Advanced EMT certification, fire training officer (FTO) duty, scheduled overtime, and emergency callback.
Entry-Level Recruit Academy runs 18-20 weeks; the Lateral Academy runs 5-6 weeks. Both are held at the Public Safety Training Center and Station 1 on a 40-hour, 4x10 (Mon-Thu) schedule, and recruits are paid from day one of the academy. Graduates are assigned to A, B, or C shift.
What is the work schedule for Meridian Fire?
Line personnel work a 48/96 shift schedule (48 hours on, 96 hours off). Recruits who pass the academy are assigned to A, B, or C shift.
What is the starting pay?
Entry-level firefighter pay starts at $34.61 per hour during the academy (based on a 40-hour work week); after the academy, recruits move to a negotiated salary starting at $69,875 a year with a 6% increase over the next two years.
How long is the academy?
The Entry-Level Academy runs 18-20 weeks; the Lateral Academy runs 5-6 weeks, both held at the Public Safety Training Center and Station 1.
Do I need an EMT license to apply?
Yes, applicants must hold an EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic license to be eligible for the academy.
Is there an age limit to apply?
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply.