Fire Department · Combination
Columbia Heights Fire Department
Minneapolis, MN · Anoka County
Combination department: 8 full-time firefighters plus up to 30 paid-on-call
The Columbia Heights Fire Department is a combination department in the northern Minneapolis suburbs, providing round-the-clock fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and emergency management to both Columbia Heights and the neighboring City of Hilltop.
The department is staffed by a fire chief, an assistant fire chief, eight full-time professional firefighters, up to 30 paid-on-call firefighters, and two administrative assistants. Beyond emergency response, the department handles fire code inspections, fire prevention and public education, and rental licensing and property-maintenance code enforcement.
Organized in the spring of 1907, the department has grown from a 16-member volunteer crew with a single bell alarm into a modern operation. Its work has shifted decisively toward EMS over the decades: from occasional medical calls in the 1950s, medical incidents grew to make up roughly 80% of a call load that reached about 2,300 responses by 2007.
The department recruits both career firefighters and paid-on-call firefighters through the city, with a "Join the CHFD" recruitment page and applications handled via the City of Columbia Heights careers portal on GovernmentJobs.
Prospective members can also enter the fire service through the department's Fire Explorer program. For current openings and application details, check the city's careers portal.
How do I apply to the Columbia Heights Fire Department?
Applications for both career and paid-on-call firefighter positions are handled through the City of Columbia Heights careers portal on GovernmentJobs. The department's "Join the CHFD" page also outlines how to get involved.
Does the department hire full-time or paid-on-call firefighters?
Both. The department employs eight full-time professional firefighters and up to 30 paid-on-call firefighters, in addition to a fire chief, assistant fire chief, and administrative staff.
What kind of calls does the department respond to?
The department provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and emergency management. The large majority of calls are medical, historically around 80% of the total call volume.
Is there a youth or entry pathway into the fire service here?
Yes. The department runs a Fire Explorer program, which is one way to get exposure to the fire service before pursuing a firefighter role.
What communities does the department serve?
The Columbia Heights Fire Department protects the City of Columbia Heights and also provides service to the neighboring City of Hilltop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.