Fire Department · Combination
Pasadena Fire Department
Pasadena, TX · Harris County
“Preserving Life & Property Since 1930”
largest single municipal volunteer fire department in the United States
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) has protected the city of Pasadena, Texas since 1930, when it was founded with 25 members. Today it fields around 200 volunteers operating out of nine fire stations with more than 40 pieces of apparatus, and it holds the distinction of being the largest single municipal volunteer fire department in the country.
The department serves a population of roughly 140,000 people across 52 square miles, responding to about 170 emergency calls each month that span structure fire, rescue, and hazardous-materials work. Pasadena sits in the heart of the Houston Ship Channel petrochemical corridor.
Because of that industrial setting, PVFD is an active member of the Channel Industries Mutual Aid (CIMA) organization and provides mutual-aid support to neighboring municipalities as well as Ellington Field, Johnson Space Center, the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and Taylor Lake.
The department preserves its heritage alongside modern operations. Its first pumper, a 1929 American LaFrance nicknamed "Old Betsy," is still kept in the fleet and appears at community events.
MissionPrevent and minimize the loss of life and property of the Citizens and fire service personnel; to mitigate the consequences of natural and man-made disasters.
PVFD is an all-volunteer organization and recruits new members on an ongoing basis. Applicants must be 18 to 45 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, hold a current Texas driver's license, live in Pasadena or the surrounding vicinity, and have a high school diploma or GED. You apply online through coptx.applicantpro.com, or reach the Administrative Office at 713-475-5554.
After applying, candidates go through a background investigation by the Pasadena Fire Marshal's Office, a physical examination, and a physical agility test. New members complete the 12-week Pasadena Fire Academy, which meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings and all day Saturday and covers hose handling, pump operations, emergency driving, extinguishers, hazmat, building construction, and fire tactics.
Requirements
- Be 18 to 45 years of age
- Be a citizen or legal resident of the US
- Possess a current Texas driver's license
- Be a resident of Pasadena, Texas (or vicinity)
- Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Provide a Social Security number
Hiring process
- Submit an application online at coptx.applicantpro.com
- Background investigation by the Pasadena Fire Marshal's Office
- Physical examination
- Physical agility test
- Complete the 12-week Pasadena Fire Academy
Benefits
This is a volunteer position with no salary. Members receive reimbursement per call and access to what the department describes as one of the best retirement pension plans available.
The Pasadena Fire Academy runs 12 weeks, meeting Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Is the Pasadena Fire Department paid or volunteer?
It is an all-volunteer department, the largest single municipal volunteer fire department in the United States. There is no salary, but members receive per-call reimbursement and a retirement pension plan.
What are the requirements to join?
You must be 18 to 45 years of age, a US citizen or legal resident, hold a current Texas driver's license, be a resident of Pasadena or the vicinity, and have a high school diploma or GED.
How do I apply?
Submit an online application at coptx.applicantpro.com, or contact the Administrative Office at 713-475-5554 or Teresa White at TeWhite@pasadenatx.gov.
What does the hiring process involve?
After applying, candidates go through a background investigation by the Pasadena Fire Marshal's Office, a physical examination, and a physical agility test, then complete the fire academy.
How long is the fire academy and when does it meet?
The Pasadena Fire Academy is 12 weeks. It meets Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., covering topics from hose handling and pump operations to hazmat and fire tactics.