Fire Department · Career
Oklahoma City Fire Department
Oklahoma City, OK · Oklahoma County
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Department careers page ↗The Oklahoma City Fire Department (OKCFD) traces its roots to an 1889 volunteer fire company and today fields nearly 1,000 firefighters working from strategically placed stations across the city. Fire Suppression, its largest section, is made up of 877 uniformed firefighters who staff the engine and ladder companies responding to roughly 90,000 calls each year.
The department is built around three divisions plus Fire Administration. The Operations Division runs Fire Suppression, Special Operations, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Training, and Emergency Management; Support Services handles dispatch, facilities, fleet, IT, and human resources; and Fire Prevention covers code enforcement, community risk reduction, and fire investigation.
Every OKCFD station operates at the Advanced Life Support level, meaning a licensed paramedic and appropriate supplies are on board, and about 70% of the department's responses are medical in nature. Beyond standard firefighting, the department maintains a Water Rescue Team, a Hazardous Materials Response Team, and Search and Rescue capability (including the OK-TF1 task force).
OKCFD also invests heavily in the community through its Mobile Integrated Healthcare programs, Community Risk Reduction education, free smoke-alarm installation for residents, and a Residents Fire Academy.
OKCFD hires at the entry level as a Fire Recruit and runs a competitive, testing-based selection process. Candidates apply online at www.JoinOKCFire.com, where the full process is outlined, and are notified of each step through their Oracle accounts. Selection involves a written FIRETEAM examination, the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), an Oral Review Board interview, a background investigation with polygraph, and a medical evaluation.
Applicants must be 18 to 44 years old with a high school diploma or GED and no felony convictions, and must obtain an Emergency Medical Technician license before finishing the one-year probationary period. New hires complete a 16-to-18-week Fire Recruit Academy at the Oklahoma City Fire Training Center. Honorably discharged veterans receive a five-point preference, and applicants holding paramedic certification may receive additional preference.
Requirements
- 18 to 44 years of age
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent at time of application
- No felony convictions
- Must obtain an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license before completing the one-year probationary period
- Valid driver's license
- Must pass a written examination, physical ability test (CPAT), interview panel, background/polygraph investigation, and medical evaluation
- Adequate strength and stamina to perform firefighting tasks under strenuous, adverse conditions
Hiring process
- Apply online at www.JoinOKCFire.com (notifications via Oracle account)
- Written FIRETEAM examination (human relations, mechanical aptitude, reading, math)
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), with orientation and practice sessions beforehand
- Oral Review Board interview panels
- Background investigation including criminal records check, work references, and polygraph
- Medical evaluation
- 16-to-18-week Fire Recruit Academy
Benefits
Life and major-medical, health, and dental insurance for employee and dependents; pension eligibility for retirement after 22 years; 96 hours of vacation and 130 hours of sick leave per year; 10 holidays (216 holiday hours for 24-hour personnel); injury insurance effective the day of employment; credit union access; and union-provided $10,000 term life coverage with optional supplemental and dependent coverage. Tuition reimbursement up to $1,250 per semester supports continuing education, and incentive pay is available for certifications including Hazardous Materials Technician, Underwater Rescue Diver, EMT-Paramedic, EMS Instructor, and Dispatcher.
New hires complete a 16-to-18-week Fire Recruit Academy at the Oklahoma City Fire Training Center, with numerous written and hands-on examinations.
How do I apply to become an Oklahoma City firefighter?
Visit www.JoinOKCFire.com, where the entire process is outlined. Once you apply, you are notified of each step of the hiring process through your Oracle account.
What are the basic requirements?
You must be 18 to 44 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, have no felony convictions, and have a valid driver's license. You must also obtain an EMT license before completing your one-year probationary period.
What does the hiring process involve?
A written FIRETEAM examination, the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), an Oral Review Board interview, a background investigation with polygraph, and a medical evaluation.
What is the CPAT and how hard is it?
The Candidate Physical Ability Test simulates firefighting tasks (stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise, forcible entry, search, rescue drag, and ceiling breach). Candidates must complete the full course in 10 minutes 20 seconds or less, and orientation and practice sessions are offered beforehand.
How long is the fire academy?
A typical Fire Recruit Academy lasts between 16 and 18 weeks at the Oklahoma City Fire Training Center, with many written and hands-on examinations that must be passed.
Do veterans or paramedics get any hiring preference?
Yes. Honorably discharged veterans who submit a DD Form 214 receive five points added to a passing score, and applicants holding National or State of Oklahoma Paramedic certification may receive preference during the hiring process.