Fire Department · Career
Florence Fire Department
Florence, SC · Florence County
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Department careers page ↗The Florence Fire Department serves the City of Florence, South Carolina, from six fire stations spread across an area of approximately 21 square miles. Each station houses an engine company, with Station 1 additionally housing a truck company, a Battalion Chief, and a rescue truck. The department maintains a minimum daily staffing of three personnel per apparatus, with 29 emergency response personnel on duty each day.
The department answers approximately 4,000 responses annually, covering structure fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and vehicle accidents. Its work is organized into several divisions, including Suppression, Emergency Preparedness/Risk Management, Fire and Life Safety, Professional Standards and Services, Training, and Logistics.
Beyond emergency response, the department invests heavily in prevention and preparedness. Its Fire and Life Safety Division conducts business inspections, reviews plans for new construction and remodels, and delivers public education, while the Emergency Preparedness/Risk Management Division coordinates citywide readiness under the National Incident Management System framework.
The Florence Fire Department hires entry-level firefighters through the City of Florence employment portal. Qualified applicants are placed on a waiting list, and positions are offered as vacancies arise. New firefighters are trained to the IFSAC Firefighter II level through the South Carolina Fire Academy.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- South Carolina driver's license with a good driving record
- 20/20 vision or eyesight corrected to 20/25
- In good health and physically fit
- Of good character and reputation
- Never convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor
- No minimum or maximum height/weight requirements
Hiring process
- Written exam
- Oral skills exam
- Physical ability test
- Drug test
- Psychological examination
Benefits
As City of Florence employees, firefighters receive State Group Insurance (health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability), a free on-site Employee Wellness Clinic, the South Carolina Retirement Systems pension, optional 401k/457b deferred compensation, subsidized insurance premiums in retirement (100% after 25 years, 50% after 20 years), general leave and a sick bank, paid holidays, longevity pay, and an education tuition reimbursement program.
New firefighters are trained to the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Firefighter II level through the South Carolina Fire Academy, covering interior structural firefighting, first aid and CPR, hazardous materials operations, and vehicle extrication.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Florence firefighter?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, have a South Carolina driver's license with a good driving record, have 20/20 vision (or corrected to 20/25), be in good health and physically fit, be of good character, and have never been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor. There are no minimum or maximum height or weight requirements.
What does the hiring process involve?
Qualified applicants must pass a written exam, an oral skills exam, a physical ability test, a drug test, and a psychological examination. Those who qualify are placed on a waiting list, and positions may be offered as vacancies arise.
What training do new firefighters receive?
Firefighters are trained to the IFSAC Firefighter II level through the South Carolina Fire Academy, including interior structural firefighting, first aid and CPR, hazardous materials operations, and vehicle extrication.
How many stations does the department have?
The department operates six fire stations across roughly 21 square miles, each housing an engine company. Station 1 also houses a truck company, a Battalion Chief, and a rescue truck.