Fire Department · Career
Elizabeth Fire Department
Elizabeth, NJ · Union County
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Department careers page ↗The Elizabeth Fire Department protects New Jersey's fourth-largest city, providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, and fire prevention/inspection out of its headquarters at 411 Irvington Avenue. The department is led by a civilian Director who oversees administration alongside a uniformed Chief who commands operations, supported by Deputy Chiefs and a Duty Chief's Office that runs around the clock.
The department's Fire Prevention Bureau enforces the New Jersey Uniform Fire Safety Code, handles smoke/CO detector compliance, and performs inspections upon request through its Office of the Fire Official. The EMS Division describes itself as a performance-based system relying on trained personnel and modern apparatus to deliver emergency medical care to the city and surrounding communities, including ambulance transport.
Elizabeth's fire protection dates to a volunteer bucket brigade organized on July 4, 1789, with the city's first company, Protection Steam Fire Engine Company Number 1. The department traces its official organized history to 1837, when Engine Company Number 1 reorganized and additional volunteer companies formed through the mid-1800s. The city council created a fully paid department by ordinance in 1901, with operations beginning January 1, 1902 under Chief August Gerstung and a roster of 37 permanent firefighters and 60 call men. The department has since responded to major incidents including three commercial airline crashes within 57 days in 1951-1952 and the 1980 Chemical Control Corporation fire, described as the largest chemical waste fire in U.S. history at the time, which injured 65 firefighters over a 185-hour operation.
MissionTo provide the citizens of Elizabeth the highest level of service possible with the resources available to the Elizabeth Fire Department. Included shall be the proper fire education and inspections, fire suppression and investigations and the proper mitigation of all incidents encountered by the Elizabeth Fire Department, to ensure personal life safety and the prevention of property loss.
The Elizabeth Fire Department hires entry-level firefighters through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission rather than a department-run application; the department's own Recruitment page links directly to the state's public-safety jobs listings, and as of the site's 2026 posting the entry-level firefighter application was open.
How do I apply to become a firefighter with the Elizabeth Fire Department?
Entry-level firefighter openings are handled through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission; the department's Recruitment page links directly to the state's public-safety jobs listings rather than a separate city application.
What services does the Elizabeth Fire Department provide?
The department provides fire suppression, emergency medical services (including ambulance transport), and fire prevention/inspection services out of its headquarters at 411 Irvington Avenue.
Who leads the Elizabeth Fire Department?
Director Patrick Byrnes oversees departmental administration, with Chief Salvatore J. Barraco commanding uniformed operations and Deputy Chief William Vignali assisting.
How can I request a fire inspection or an official fire report?
Fire inspections are available upon request through the Fire Prevention Bureau/Office of the Fire Official, and residents can request official fire reports through department headquarters.
How old is the Elizabeth Fire Department?
The department traces its roots to a volunteer bucket brigade organized on July 4, 1789, its official organized history to 1837, and its transition to a fully paid department to January 1, 1902.