Fire Department · Career
Lake Charles Fire Department
Lake Charles, LA · Calcasieu County
Over 180 firefighters
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Lake Charles Fire Department traces its roots to 1876, when the city's first firefighting efforts relied on horse-drawn wagons; by 1890 the department had grown to a five-member crew, and it has since expanded into a modern career department of more than 180 firefighters. Today the department operates out of eight stations across Lake Charles and the surrounding Ward 3 area, running 15 fire companies under the Fire Fighting and Suppression (Operations) Division.
The department is organized into Administrative, Operations, Fire Prevention, Communications, Maintenance, Training, and Research & Statistical Analysis divisions, each handling a distinct piece of the department's mission, from code enforcement and dispatch to fleet upkeep and firefighter training. Crews respond to hundreds of vehicle extrications and thousands of emergency calls each year, alongside hazardous-materials response and general fire suppression duties.
MissionPreserve life, property and the environment by responding to requests for assistance, both emergency and non-emergency.
Lake Charles Fire Department hires career firefighters through the Louisiana municipal civil service system. Candidates must pass a written Civil Service Examination, a physical agility test, a background investigation, and an oral interview board, followed by medical and drug screening. New hires receive on-the-job training leading to state certification through the Regional Firefighter Training Academy.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship
- Minimum age 18
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid Louisiana driver's license
Hiring process
- Pass a written Civil Service Examination
- Pass a Physical Agility Test
- Pass a background investigation
- Pass an Oral Interview Board
- Complete medical/physical examination including drug screening
Benefits
Retirement benefits through the Louisiana Firefighters' Retirement System, city health and life insurance, 18 days of annual vacation leave after one year of employment, and uniforms/gear provided by the department. Starting pay is supplemented by a first-year city stipend and, after year one, a Louisiana state supplemental pay.
On-the-job training leading to state certification through the Regional Firefighter Training Academy.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Lake Charles firefighter?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and possess a valid Louisiana driver's license.
What is the hiring process for Lake Charles Fire Department?
Candidates must pass a written Civil Service Examination, a physical agility test, a background investigation, an oral interview board, and medical/physical exams including drug screening.
How many fire stations does Lake Charles Fire Department operate?
The department operates eight fire stations across Lake Charles and Ward 3, running 15 fire companies.
What training do new firefighters receive?
New hires receive on-the-job training leading to state certification through the Regional Firefighter Training Academy.