Fire Department · Career
Erie Fire Department
Erie, PA · Erie County
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Department careers page ↗The Erie Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency response to the City of Erie, Pennsylvania's largest city on Lake Erie. The department operates out of seven stations, including a Central Station that houses a tower company and a deputy chief.
Operations are organized into three support divisions, Communications, Fire Prevention, and Mechanic, alongside line firefighting companies. The department maintains a dedicated Water Rescue unit (Water Rescue #1) based at the Engine 8 station, reflecting its lakefront service area.
Hiring and personnel qualifications are governed by the City of Erie Civil Service Board, and the department enforces the Erie Fire Code, based on the International Fire Code.
The City of Erie hires firefighters through a Civil Service process that opens only about once every two years. Candidates apply online (an application fee and study-guide fee apply) and must pass a written exam administered by Fire Police Select Incorporated (FPSI) and the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT); military service can add points to the written score.
All qualifications are set by the City of Erie Civil Service Board, and the recruitment process is handled by the City's Human Resources Office. Applicants who make the eligibility list proceed through background, credit, and psychological screening before hire.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old on the civil service test date and no older than 45 when the test takes effect
- U.S. citizen
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license at time of application
- Valid Pennsylvania EMT-Basic certification, or actively enrolled in a certification course prior to hire date
- Proof of Hepatitis B vaccination or a titer test documenting immunity
- Establish residency within a 15-mile radius of City Hall within one year of hire
- Pass the Comprehensive Examination Battery with Practical Skills Test (CEB-PST)
- Pass the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT)
- Pass background checks, credit checks, and psychological evaluations
Hiring process
- Apply online during an open recruitment window (application and study-guide fees apply)
- Take the FPSI written examination (military service may add points)
- Pass the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT)
- Placement on the Civil Service eligibility list
- Complete background, credit, and psychological screening prior to hire
Benefits
Firefighters receive pension, retirement, health insurance, and other benefits (full details provided on the City's benefits page).
How often can I apply to become an Erie firefighter?
The City of Erie opens firefighter applications only periodically, roughly once every two years, through the Civil Service Board. Applications are submitted online when a window is open.
What are the age and education requirements?
You must be at least 18 on the civil service test date and no older than 45 when the test takes effect, be a U.S. citizen, and hold a high school diploma or GED.
Do I need to be an EMT before I'm hired?
You must hold a valid Pennsylvania EMT-Basic certification or be actively enrolled in a certification course prior to your hire date.
Is there a residency requirement?
Yes. You must establish residency within a 15-mile radius of City Hall (626 State Street, Erie, PA 16501) within one year of your hiring date.
What tests do I have to pass?
Candidates take the FPSI written exam and must pass the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT), plus background, credit, and psychological evaluations. Military service can add points to the written test.
Who do I contact about firefighter recruitment?
Carol MacWhirter, Civil Service Board Secretary, at (814) 870-1243 or CMacWhirter@erie.pa.us. The process is handled by the City of Erie Human Resources Office.