Fire Department · Career
Abilene Fire Department
Abilene, TX · Taylor County
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Department careers page ↗The Abilene Fire Department is a full-service career department serving the city of Abilene in West Texas. Firefighters respond to structure and vehicle fires, medical emergencies, hazardous-materials incidents, and rescue situations inside the city limits, and the department provides mutual aid to Dyess Air Force Base and surrounding counties.
The department carries an ISO Public Protection Classification of Class 1, the top rating and one held by only a small number of departments nationwide. It operates eight fire stations: four house an engine company and four house both an engine and a ladder company.
Staffing runs about 198 civil service personnel working three shifts, part of a total of roughly 205 people. The organization is led by a Fire Chief appointed by the City Manager.
Abilene's fire service traces back to 1881, when a bucket brigade formed after a fire swept the business district. Volunteer companies later merged into the Abilene Volunteer Fire Department, and the City established a full-paid crew in 1922. The first AFD cadet academy graduated sixteen recruits in 1958.
MissionTo deliver the highest quality service by protecting the community through risk reduction, emergency response, and public service.
Firefighter positions with Abilene are civil service jobs, and applications are accepted only during an open recruiting period. Entry-level candidates take a written civil service exam of 100 multiple-choice questions, then move through a physical ability test, background investigation, psychological exam, oral interview board, and a medical/physical/drug screening before a conditional offer.
Lateral applicants with prior full-time paid experience are exempt from the civil service written exam but must complete every other phase. For details or to confirm the current recruiting window, candidates can call the recruiting line at 325-676-6347.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age by the start date
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Pass the entry-level civil service written exam (100 multiple-choice questions)
- Attend and graduate a state-approved fire academy conducted by the Abilene Fire Department
- Complete the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) basic course within the first 6 months of employment
- Laterals: three years as a paid full-time firefighter in a civil service fire department plus a Basic Structural Firefighter certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Hiring process
- Civil service written exam (entry-level applicants; laterals exempt)
- Physical Ability Test
- Background Investigation
- Psychological Exam
- Oral Interview Board
- Medical / Physical / Drug Screening
- Conditional offer of employment
Benefits
The City of Abilene is self-insured and offers competitive benefits and salaries for regular full-time employees. Firefighters can earn additional pay for certifications, education, and special assignments on top of base pay, and civil service employees receive longevity pay under state law and applicable Meet and Confer agreements.
New hires attend and must graduate a state-approved fire training academy conducted by the Abilene Fire Department, and complete the EMT basic course within their first six months.
What are the basic requirements to become an Abilene firefighter?
You must be at least 18 by your start date and hold a high school diploma or G.E.D. You will need to graduate a state-approved fire academy conducted by AFD and complete the EMT basic course within your first six months of employment.
How do I apply, and when can I apply?
Firefighter roles are civil service positions, so applications are only accepted during an open recruiting period. Watch the recruiting page or call 325-676-6347 to confirm the current window.
What does the hiring process involve?
Entry-level candidates take a 100-question civil service written exam, followed by a physical ability test, background investigation, psychological exam, oral interview board, and a medical/physical/drug screening before a conditional offer.
Does Abilene accept lateral firefighters?
Yes. Laterals are exempt from the civil service written exam but must complete all other phases. They need three years as a paid full-time firefighter in a civil service department and a Basic Structural Firefighter certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
What is the pay and are there benefits?
The City is self-insured and offers competitive benefits and salaries. Firefighters can earn extra pay for certifications, education, and special assignments, plus longevity pay under state law and Meet and Confer agreements.
Do I need to be an EMT before applying?
No. You must complete the EMT basic course within the first six months of employment; new hires also attend and graduate the department's fire academy.