Fire Department · Career
City Of Paris Fire Department
Paris, TX · Lamar County
The City of Paris Fire Department protects the northeast Texas community of Paris across roughly 44.4 square miles from three stations, with administrative offices based at Fire Station 1. Fire protection here traces back to a volunteer company organized in the early 1870s, known as Phoenix Fire Company No. 1, which operated until the city stood up a paid department in 1908.
Beyond structural firefighting, the department is a broad-service agency: it provides EMS first response, hazardous materials response, heavy rescue, and dive team operations, and responds to vehicle accidents countywide. Its apparatus fleet includes engines, a quint, a 105-foot aerial device, a rescue truck, a HazMat unit, brush and TIFMAS wildland units, and boats.
The department also anchors mutual aid across the county, backing up 19 volunteer fire departments in Lamar County.
Firefighter hiring in Paris runs through a Texas civil service process. Candidates apply to the city's Civil Service Director and, if qualified, sit for a written civil service exam (70% to pass) followed by a physical ability assessment, personal history statement, background investigation, oral interview board, and a final interview with the Fire Chief before a conditional offer, medical exam, and drug screen.
Applicants must already hold Texas Commission on Fire Protection firefighter certification and Texas EMT certification. New hires must live within a 60-minute timed response to the Paris town square within one year of their start date. Watch the city jobs page for open postings.
Requirements
- At least 18 and under 36 years of age
- U.S. citizen
- High school diploma or GED
- Able to read and write the English language
- Valid driver's license; must obtain a Texas Class B Exempt license
- No felony convictions; no Class A or B misdemeanor convictions within the last 10 years
- Good moral character
- Firefighter certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection
- EMT certification through TDSHS
- Must reside within a 60-minute timed response to the Paris town square within one year of start date
Hiring process
- Civil service written exam (70% passing score)
- Physical ability assessment
- Personal history statement
- Criminal background investigation
- Oral interview board
- Fire Chief interview and job offer
- Medical exam and drug screening
What are the age requirements to become a Paris firefighter?
You must be at least 18 years of age and less than 36 years of age at the time of application.
What certifications do I need before applying?
You must already hold firefighter certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and EMT certification through TDSHS, plus a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license.
What does the hiring process involve?
It's a civil service process: a written exam (70% to pass), a physical ability assessment, a personal history statement, a background investigation, an oral interview board, and a final interview with the Fire Chief, followed by a medical exam and drug screening.
Do I have to live in Paris to be hired?
You must reside, or move to, within a 60-minute timed response to the City of Paris town square within one year of your employment start date.
How do I apply?
Submit your application to the Civil Service Director (Sandy Collard), City of Paris, P.O. Box 9037, Paris, TX 75461, and watch the city jobs page for open postings.