Fire Department · Career
Franklin Fire Department
Franklin, TN · Williamson County
Daytime population estimated at 108,481 (2021 Williamson Inc. estimate) versus a resident population of 89,142 (2024 Census estimate).
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Department careers page ↗Franklin Fire Department traces its roots to 1820, when it began as the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, making it one of the older fire organizations in Tennessee. Today it operates as an all-career department covering roughly 44.9 square miles in Williamson County, serving a resident population of about 89,000 (with a daytime population that swells past 108,000 thanks to the city's commercial core) from eight fire stations and a dedicated training center.
The department's Operations Division runs a fleet of 12 frontline, all-ALS-equipped apparatus and handles emergency medical response, fire suppression, technical rescue, and hazardous materials calls. Franklin Fire is led by Chief Glenn E. Johnson, Jr., a more-than-30-year veteran of the department who rose through the ranks before being named chief in 2020.
MissionThe mission of the City of Franklin Fire Department is to provide the highest level of service and protection through: Prevention – our proactive approach to eliminate the loss of life and property through code enforcement, public education and plan review.
Franklin Fire Department hires certified firefighters directly and also runs its own Fire Intern/Cadet pathway for candidates who aren't yet certified. Career firefighter applicants go through the City of Franklin HR Department; testing includes a written exam (through National Testing Network), a Fireground Physical Ability Test (FPAT), and a panel interview, all typically held on one Test Day.
Requirements
- Minimum age 21 for firefighter hire (18 for the Fire Intern program)
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- Tennessee Commission on Firefighting, IFSAC, or ProBoard Firefighter I & II Certification (minimum 320-hour basic firefighter academy)
- Current EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic license in Tennessee, or an equivalent out-of-state license meeting Tennessee reciprocity requirements
Hiring process
- Submit online application with required documentation by the posted deadline
- Register for and pass the written exam administered through the National Testing Network (NTN)
- Pass the Fireground Physical Ability Test (FPAT)
- Panel interview with three Battalion Chiefs and three shift personnel, scored against city values and job competencies
- Conditional job offer contingent on polygraph examination, NFPA 1582 pre-employment physical, and full background check
Firefighter hires must already hold TN/IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter I & II certification. Uncertified candidates can instead apply to the paid Fire Intern program (for 2025/2026 high school grads) or Fire Cadet program, which trains recruits through FFD's own Recruit Academy toward state certification.
How long has Franklin Fire Department been in service?
Franklin Fire Department was established in 1820 as the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department.
What is required to become a Franklin firefighter?
Candidates must be at least 21, hold a high school diploma or GED and valid driver's license, have Tennessee Commission on Firefighting/IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter I & II certification from a minimum 320-hour academy, and hold a current EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic license valid in Tennessee.
What if I'm not yet certified as a firefighter?
Franklin Fire Department offers a paid Fire Intern program for recent high school graduates and a Fire Cadet program, both of which train recruits through the department's own Recruit Academy toward state firefighter certification.
What does the hiring process involve?
Qualified applicants complete a written exam through the National Testing Network, a Fireground Physical Ability Test (FPAT), and a panel interview, with job offers contingent on a polygraph exam, NFPA 1582 physical, and background check.