Fire Department · Combination
Huntsville Fire Department
Huntsville, TX · Walker County
Combination department: 25 full-time professionals plus more than 30 volunteer firefighters, operating out of four stations.
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The department traces its founding to an inaugural meeting held on November 6, 1925, presided over by Mayor Tom Ball, with C.E. Bobbitt appointed as the first Fire Chief over a roster of 23 members. The new department answered its first documented call just nine days later at the Gillaspie residence. As the city grew, so did the department's footprint: a second station opened in 1973 at 22nd Street and Sam Houston Avenue, and a third followed in 1980 at the City Service Center. In February 1985, the City of Huntsville assumed control of the volunteer fire department over liability concerns, moving to municipal oversight under Joe French, its first full-time chief.
Today Huntsville Fire Department operates as a combination department, staffed by 25 full-time professionals working alongside more than 30 volunteer firefighters out of four stations. Fire Chief Greg Mathis, who also serves as Fire Marshal, leads the department with Assistant Fire Chief Trey Lamb overseeing daily operations and 2nd Assistant Fire Chief Thomas Gilbert overseeing volunteer operations, supported by Emergency Management Coordinator Adam Winningham.
Beyond fire suppression and EMS first response, the department runs fire inspections, origin-and-cause investigations, and public fire education, and it fields a technical rescue program covering dive/water recovery, hazardous materials response, swift water rescue, and vehicle extrication.
Huntsville Fire Department actively recruits volunteer firefighters, who train alongside career staff and respond citywide; the department encourages prospective volunteers to visit a fire station in person to learn more. Paid firefighter and EMS positions with the City of Huntsville are posted and applied for through the city's online Career Portal.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Good physical health and fitness level to perform firefighting duties
- Must pass a background check and drug screening
- Commitment to regular training and emergency response (volunteer program)
Hiring process
- Visit a Huntsville fire station in person to speak with staff about the volunteer program
- For paid positions, apply through the City of Huntsville's online Career Portal
- Submit a resume with the application
- Confirm receipt of the application and follow up with City of Huntsville HR if needed
Benefits
Volunteer firefighters are provided all firefighting gear and equipment, receive mentorship from experienced firefighters, and can balance service with personal obligations through a flexible commitment.
When was the Huntsville Fire Department founded?
The department held its inaugural meeting on November 6, 1925, and answered its first documented emergency call nine days later at the Gillaspie residence.
How can I become a volunteer firefighter with Huntsville Fire Department?
Visit a Huntsville fire station in person to speak with staff and learn about the volunteer program. Volunteers must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, be in good physical condition, and pass a background check and drug screening.
How many fire stations does Huntsville Fire Department operate?
The department operates four stations, having grown from its original 1920s firehouse on 11th Street with additional stations added in 1973 and 1980.
What specialty rescue services does the department provide?
The department's technical rescue program includes a dive team for water recoveries, hazardous materials (HazMat) response, swift water rescue, and vehicle extrication.
How do I apply for a paid firefighter or EMS position with the City of Huntsville?
Paid positions are posted and applied for through the City of Huntsville's online Career Portal, accessible from the Employment Opportunities page; applicants submit a resume with their application.