Fire Department · Combination
Westford Fire Department
Westford, MA · Middlesex County
The Westford Fire Department serves the town of Westford in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, operating out of three stations: the Boston Road headquarters, Forge Village, and Nabnassett. Its roughly 44 firefighters run an all-hazards operation, with about 60% of call volume being medical.
The department delivers paramedic-level advanced life support from its own ALS ambulances and staffs a mix of paramedics and EMTs. Beyond fire and EMS, members are certified in technical rescue disciplines including diving, rope and technical rescue, and hazardous materials response, with hydraulic rescue tools carried on every engine.
Apparatus spans three engines, a tower ladder, brush trucks, a large tender, a foam trailer, two ALS ambulances, and specialized cold-water and off-road rescue gear such as boats, an ice rescue sled, snowmobiles, and tracked UTV/ATV units.
MissionThe mission of the Westford Fire Department is to make the Town of Westford a safer place to live, work, and be educated by reducing human suffering caused by fire, sudden illness, accidents, hazardous materials release, or by man-made or natural disasters.
Westford recruits full-time Firefighter/Paramedics and accepts applications by emailing HR@westfordma.gov (subject line "Firefighter/Paramedic") or by mailing materials to Pam Hicks at 55 Main Street, Westford, MA 01886. Recruitment questions can be sent to JoinWFD@WestfordMA.gov. Candidates must hold or be near completion of Massachusetts/NREMT Paramedic certification; those not yet certified as Firefighter I/II are sent through the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's Career Recruit program.
The process runs through a written exam (70% minimum), hands-on skills stations, a peer oral board, and a captain's interview. A conditional offer is followed by a background investigation, medical and psychological exams, and a Physical Ability Test, with a one-year probationary period. Experienced candidates may be started at a higher pay step at the Chief's discretion.
Requirements
- Valid driver's license
- NREMT / Massachusetts Paramedic certification (or EMT expected to complete Paramedic training within 3 months)
- Pro-Board Firefighter I/II certification desired
- Minimum 2 years pre-hospital 9-1-1 experience as a Paramedic desired
Hiring process
- Written exam (score 70% or higher)
- Skills stations (ACLS Megacode for Paramedics; BLS for EMTs)
- Peer oral board
- Captain's interview
- Conditional offer, then background investigation, medical exam, psychological exam, and Physical Ability Test
- One-year probationary period
Benefits
Middlesex County Group 4 retirement; Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical (PPO and HMO options), plus vision, dental, life insurance, and long/short-term disability. Vacation ranges from 96 to 240 hours annually by seniority, with 144 hours of sick time. Additional pay includes a $1,200 annual clothing allowance, education stipends (Firefighter I/II $900; certifications up to $550), and longevity pay of $600-$2,600 after 5-30 years of service.
Candidates without Firefighter I/II certification attend the Career Recruit Firefighter Training program at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.
What certifications do I need to apply?
You need a valid driver's license and Massachusetts/NREMT Paramedic certification, or be an EMT expected to complete Paramedic training within three months. Pro-Board Firefighter I/II certification and at least two years of pre-hospital 9-1-1 paramedic experience are desired.
What does the pay look like?
The FY23 base hourly range is $28.97 to $35.50 across Steps 1-8, with a 5% increase at Step 9 after 15 years. Overtime is paid at time-and-a-half, and forced overtime at double time.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work a 42-hour week on a 24-on / 48-off / 24-on / 96-off rotation.
Are experienced (lateral) candidates given credit?
Yes. The Chief may start experienced candidates at a higher pay step (up to Step 4), and the field-training period is shorter for those with a year or more of experience.
How do I apply?
Email your materials to HR@westfordma.gov with the subject "Firefighter/Paramedic," or mail them to Pam Hicks, 55 Main Street, Westford, MA 01886. Send recruitment questions to JoinWFD@WestfordMA.gov.
What happens if I'm not yet Firefighter I/II certified?
You will be sent through the Career Recruit Firefighter Training program at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.