Fire Department · Career
Woburn Fire Department
Woburn, MA · Middlesex County
83 uniformed firefighters and fire officers under a Fire Chief and Deputy Chief, supported by 2 secretarial/administrative staff. Front-line apparatus includes Tower 1, Engine 2, Rescue 1, Engine 4, Engine 5, and a bucket truck (S1).
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Department careers page ↗Woburn Fire Department protects the city of Woburn, Massachusetts from a newly relocated administrative headquarters at 731 Main Street, which also houses fire prevention and dispatch functions. The department is led by Fire Chief George Poole, a 23-year member who rose through the ranks from firefighter/EMT to Deputy Chief before taking the top job in February 2026, and Deputy Chief Thomas Graham, a former Fire Captain/Shift Commander. Poole and Graham succeeded longtime Chief Donald Kenton, who retired after 38 years of service credited with modernizing the department's facilities as the city grew.
The department fields its apparatus from a network of stations across the city, including a tower ladder, engine companies, a rescue unit, and a utility/bucket truck, with four captains commanding operational shifts around the clock. Members train in areas beyond structural firefighting, including vehicle extrication and ice/water rescue, reflected in ongoing JAWS-of-life and water-rescue-boat training exercises.
A dedicated Fire Prevention division handles inspections, burning and 'short-arm' trade permits, and community safety education, running seasonal campaigns such as 'Keep the Wreath Green' along with outreach programs aimed at children, seniors, and vehicle owners, plus preparedness resources for winter storms, flooding, and other emergencies.
Missionprovide the citizens of Woburn a safe and comfortable community through timely and skilled response to fire, public safety, and medical emergencies
Firefighter positions in Woburn are filled through the Massachusetts Civil Service system rather than by direct department application. Candidates take a statewide Municipal Firefighter Examination — a written test and an Entry-Level Physical Ability Test (ELPAT), each weighted 50% of the total score — and are placed on an eligible list from which the city hires as vacancies arise. Woburn's own posting points candidates to the 2026 Municipal Firefighter Examination cycle, with applications open June 22 through August 31, 2026.
Requirements
- Minimum age 19 as of the application deadline for civil service fire departments (MGL Ch. 31, Section 58), with a makeup-exam exception for active-duty military
- Completed Massachusetts Civil Service application plus a $75 examination processing fee (fee waiver available for eligible public-assistance/unemployment recipients)
- Passing scores on both the written examination and the Entry-Level Physical Ability Test (ELPAT)
Hiring process
- Create or use an existing Massachusetts Civil Service online account and submit the Municipal Firefighter Examination application
- Pay the $75 examination processing fee, or submit a fee waiver form, by the application deadline
- Sit for the written examination (50% of total score)
- Complete the Entry-Level Physical Ability Test (ELPAT, 50% of total score) at an individually scheduled date/time
- Be placed on the statewide civil service eligible list; Woburn hires from the list as firefighter vacancies occur in the department
What is Woburn Fire Department's mission?
To provide the citizens of Woburn a safe and comfortable community through timely and skilled response to fire, public safety, and medical emergencies.
How do I become a firefighter with Woburn Fire Department?
Firefighter hiring runs through the Massachusetts Civil Service system. Candidates apply for the statewide Municipal Firefighter Examination, pass a written test and an Entry-Level Physical Ability Test (ELPAT), and are placed on an eligible list from which Woburn hires as vacancies open.
Who currently leads the Woburn Fire Department?
Fire Chief George Poole, a 23-year member of the department who took office in February 2026, and Deputy Chief Thomas Graham, a former Fire Captain/Shift Commander.
What kind of permits does the department issue?
The Fire Prevention division issues open burning permits and 'short-arm' permits for licensed trades, in addition to conducting smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspections.
Does the department do more than structural firefighting?
Yes. Members train in vehicle extrication and ice/water rescue in addition to standard fire suppression and EMS response.