Fire Department · Career
Salisbury Fire Department
Salisbury, NC · Rowan County
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Department careers page ↗Salisbury Fire Department traces its roots to December 8, 1817, making it one of North Carolina's oldest fire agencies, and it marked its 200th anniversary in 2017. The department has grown from its earliest bucket-brigade origins through its first motorized fire truck in 1912 and first aerial ladder in 1941 to today's force of more than 100 firefighters and support staff operating out of six stations across the city.
Salisbury firefighters respond to more than 4,000 incidents a year and hold specialized capability in hazmat, water rescue, high-angle, trench, confined-space, and collapse rescue on top of core fire suppression and EMS response. The department earned a Class 2 ISO Public Protection Classification in 2007, notable at the time as the first North Carolina department to reach that rating using the Quint apparatus concept.
The department trains new firefighters through a partnership with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, using its own classrooms, a four-story drill tower, and a flashover trailer. Station 6, dedicated in 2021, honors Justin Monroe and Victor Isler, the two Salisbury firefighters lost in the 2008 Salisbury Millworks fire.
MissionTo protect the quality of life for present and future generations through interaction with our community, compassionate service and an atmosphere that encourages innovation, professionalism, and diversity.
Salisbury Fire Department accepts firefighter applications year-round rather than running a single annual hiring cycle, though space in each recruit class is limited and not every candidate who passes testing is guaranteed a slot.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old, or will be by the time service begins
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid North Carolina driver's license
- Willingness to obtain and maintain certifications including EMT, Firefighter, and Inspector as required
Hiring process
- Firefighter physical agility test (FEAT)
- Oral interview
- Background check
- Physical exam, including SCBA and EMT-related requirements
- Pre-service drug screening
Benefits
New firefighters can receive a $2,000 sign-on bonus (lump sum after 90 days) plus salary incentives: 2.5% for an associate's degree, 5% for a bachelor's, 10% for a master's, and an additional 2.5% for hazmat certification. Employees earn 12 hours of annual leave and 12 hours of sick leave monthly, plus 13 paid holidays a year. The department also runs a resident volunteer firefighter program offering free bunk housing, utilities, internet, fitness/kitchen/laundry access, workers' compensation coverage, annual physicals, training, and issued gear.
Recruits train through a partnership with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College using the department's own classrooms, four-story drill tower, and flashover trailer.
How do I become a firefighter with Salisbury Fire Department?
Salisbury Fire Department accepts applications year-round. Candidates must pass a firefighter physical agility test (FEAT), an oral interview, a background check, a physical exam covering SCBA and EMT requirements, and a pre-service drug screening.
What are the minimum requirements to apply?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old (or turning 18 before service begins), hold a high school diploma or GED, have a valid North Carolina driver's license, and be willing to obtain and maintain certifications such as EMT, Firefighter, and Inspector.
Does Salisbury Fire Department offer a sign-on bonus or education pay?
Yes. New hires can receive a $2,000 sign-on bonus after 90 days, plus salary incentives of 2.5% for an associate's degree, 5% for a bachelor's, 10% for a master's, and 2.5% for hazmat certification.
Does Salisbury Fire Department have a resident/volunteer firefighter program?
Yes. The resident volunteer program offers free semi-private bunk housing, utilities, high-speed internet, fitness and kitchen access, workers' compensation coverage, an annual physical, training, and issued uniforms and protective equipment.
How is Salisbury Fire Department rated by ISO?
The department holds a Class 2 ISO Public Protection Classification, achieved in 2007, when it became the first North Carolina department to reach that rating using the Quint apparatus concept.