Fire Department · Career
City of Ann Arbor Fire Department
Ann Arbor, MI · Washtenaw County
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Department careers page ↗The Ann Arbor Fire Department traces its roots to the 1830s, when the village's two wards each ran their own volunteer fire warden and company; the department unified in 1854 and went fully professional in 1889 under its first chief, Fred Sipley. That growth arc, from a single hand-drawn engine to horse-drawn steamers to motorized apparatus, tracks the city's own expansion, and today AAFD runs six fire stations across Ann Arbor with roughly 72 firefighters working 24-hour shifts on a three-platoon system.
AAFD firefighters are all cross-trained EMTs, and in 2023 the department both improved its ISO Public Protection Classification from 3 to 2 and launched its own ambulance transport service out of Station 1, working alongside Huron Valley Ambulance for advanced life support calls. Crews now respond to more than 13,000 incidents a year, on top of ongoing community programs like station tours, smoke-detector installs, and free naloxone kits for the public.
For people considering the job, AAFD hires directly into a Fire Recruit position: new hires attend the fire academy and EMT coursework on the city's dime while riding along with on-duty crews and handling apparatus and station upkeep, rather than requiring a fully certified firefighter walking in the door.
MissionThe Ann Arbor Fire Department delivers exceptional life and property protection services to the entire community. We serve with compassion and professionalism within an atmosphere of innovation, professional growth, and diversity.
AAFD hires as Fire Recruits and sends new hires through the fire academy and EMT training on department time, so candidates don't need to arrive already certified. Recruits ride along with on-duty crews, learn apparatus and equipment, and take on station and administrative duties while completing their academic and physical training.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- One of: 15 college credit hours from an accredited institution, DD214/active military guard or reserve status, or an EMPCO exam score of 75% or higher
- Ability to perform very heavy physical work, including lifting/carrying over 50 lbs, climbing multiple flights of stairs and aerial ladders, and operating assigned apparatus
Hiring process
- Complete the online application at a2gov.org/jobs
- EMPCO written exam (only required if you lack 15 college credits or military service; empco.net, 75% minimum to advance)
- Phone screen with Human Relations
- Oral interview with 3-6 fire department and HR staff
- Fire Administration interview with the fire chief, assistant chiefs, and an HR representative
- Conditional offer of employment
- Drug test and medical examination
- Background check
Recruits attend the fire academy and EMT classes as part of the job, working toward Firefighter/EMT certification and licensure while training with the department.
How do I become a firefighter with the Ann Arbor Fire Department?
AAFD hires directly into a Fire Recruit position. Applicants complete an online application at a2gov.org/jobs, then go through a phone screen, an oral interview, and a Fire Administration interview with the fire chief and assistant chiefs before receiving a conditional job offer contingent on a drug test, medical exam, and background check.
What are the minimum requirements to apply?
Candidates must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license, plus either 15 college credit hours from an accredited school, a DD214/active military guard or reserve status, or an EMPCO exam score of 75% or higher.
Do I need to be an EMT or firefighter already to apply?
No. AAFD hires Fire Recruits and sends them through the fire academy and EMT coursework as part of the job, alongside ride-alongs with on-duty crews.
How many stations and firefighters does AAFD have?
AAFD operates six fire stations across Ann Arbor with about 72 firefighters working 24-hour shifts on a three-platoon schedule, and carries a Class 2 ISO Public Protection Classification.
Does the Ann Arbor Fire Department provide EMS transport?
Yes. Since 2023, AAFD has run its own Basic Life Support ambulance transport out of Station 1, with all firefighters trained as EMTs, while Huron Valley Ambulance handles Advanced Life Support transport.