Fire Department · Career
Canton Fire Department
Canton, OH · Stark County
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Department careers page ↗Canton Fire Department has protected the city since July 22, 1822, when the President of the Town of Canton authorized a formal Fire Company. Over two centuries the department evolved from horse-drawn apparatus, leather hose, and wooden ladders to modern engines, synthetic hose, steel aerial ladders, self-contained breathing apparatus, and thermal imaging technology, while the department emphasizes that its people remain the constant thread through that change.
Today the department runs both fire suppression and paramedic-level EMS operations out of the city, organized into specialized divisions including Firefighting Operations, Paramedic Operations, Engineer, Fire Prevention Bureau, K-9 Operations, Training Bureau, Technical Rescue, Water Rescue, HAZMAT, SWAT Medic, and Public Education. The department also runs a Fire Prevention Bureau handling inspections, permits, and monthly public fire-safety education, and offers station tours by appointment.
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Canton hires Firefighter/Paramedics through the city's Civil Service Commission. Candidates apply online, then go through civil service written and physical agility testing, are ranked on an eligibility list by score, and finalists undergo a background investigation, board interview, and conditional offer contingent on psychological and medical evaluation plus drug screening.
Requirements
- Age 18-39
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Pass written exam, physical agility test, medical evaluation, drug screen, psychological assessment, vision test, and background check
Hiring process
- Submit online application at governmentjobs.com/careers/cantonohio
- Application review
- Civil service written exam (75 minutes; 70% required to advance) and physical agility test (must complete within 6 minutes 50 seconds)
- Placement on eligibility list ranked by exam score
- Background investigation, board interview, and conditional employment contingent on passing psychological/medical evaluation and drug screening
Benefits
Full academy sponsorship with wages, 13 paid holidays annually, vacation accrual (1-6 weeks by tenure), sick leave, comprehensive insurance, Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund contributions, tuition reimbursement, gym access, and a $1,300 annual uniform maintenance allowance.
New hires receive full academy sponsorship, including wages during training.
Where should smoke detectors be placed in a home?
The department's fire safety guidance covers proper smoke and CO detector and fire extinguisher placement in homes; see the Fire Department FAQs page for details.
What or when can I burn in city limits?
Recreational and yard-waste burning is regulated by city ordinance; residents can review the Recreational Fire Laws page or obtain an Open Burn Permit online.
Can I get a copy of a fire or EMS run report?
Fire and EMS run reports can be requested from the department; see the Fire Department Forms page for the request form.
Can my group tour a fire station?
Yes, station visits and group tours are available by appointment.
How do I report a fire hydrant issue or order a Knox Box?
Fire hydrant issues and Knox Box lock box orders can be submitted through the department; see the Fire Department FAQs page for instructions.