Fire Department · Career
Henrico County Division of Fire
Henrico, VA · Henrico County
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Department careers page ↗Henrico County Division of Fire is a career department protecting Henrico County, a large suburban jurisdiction wrapping around the city of Richmond, Virginia. It provides both fire suppression and EMS across the county from 23 fire stations.
The department carries an ISO Class 1 rating, the highest awarded by the Insurance Services Office, and is accredited through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) — two distinctions held by only a small share of U.S. departments.
Beyond everyday fire and medical response, Henrico fields a range of specialized units: a Technical Rescue Team, a Search and Rescue Dive Team, a Hazardous Incident (HazMat) Team, a Mass Casualty Incident support team, and a Robotics Response Team.
The department is organized around a PRIDE values framework — Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Empathy — which it also emphasizes in the people it recruits.
MissionWe are a community-driven, professional public safety and service organization that takes PRIDE in stewardship and innovation, while maintaining the public trust.
Henrico runs an annual firefighter recruitment window that is open May 1 through July 1. Candidates apply online, submit documents, and move through an entrance exam, orientation, the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), an administrative/HR review, and a panel interview before a conditional offer, medical exam, drug test, and background check lead to hire.
Entry-level recruits attend a 36-week academy. Experienced firefighters who already hold firefighter and EMT certifications with at least a year of professional experience can enter an accelerated 6-week academy (application deadline June 1). The department also specifically welcomes National Registry Paramedics who want to become firefighters.
Requirements
- Be 18 years old by the end of the application period
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license, or able to obtain one
- Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- No more than six DMV demerit points in one year
- No more than two moving violations within the last year
- No DUI within 12 months of conviction
- Accelerated academy: at least one year of professional firefighting experience plus current firefighter and EMT certifications
Hiring process
- Apply online
- Submit required documents
- Entrance exam
- Attend orientation
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Administrative and Human Resources review
- Panel interview
- Conditional offer
- Meet conditions (medical exam, drug test, background check)
- Hired
36-week recruit academy, or a 6-week accelerated academy for experienced, certified firefighters.
When can I apply to become a Henrico firefighter?
The firefighter recruitment period is open annually from May 1 through July 1. The recruit academy application deadline is July 1, and the accelerated academy deadline is June 1.
What are the minimum requirements?
You must be 18 by the end of the application period, have a high school diploma or GED, and hold (or be able to obtain) a valid driver's license. Certain DMV violations, including a DUI within 12 months, are disqualifying.
What is the starting salary?
The starting salary is $64,038.
Does Henrico hire experienced or lateral firefighters?
Yes. Candidates with at least one year of professional firefighting experience and current firefighter and EMT certifications can enter a 6-week accelerated academy instead of the 36-week recruit academy. National Registry Paramedics seeking firefighter certification are also welcomed.
How long is the fire academy?
The recruit academy is 36 weeks. The accelerated academy for experienced, certified firefighters is 6 weeks.
What does the hiring process involve?
After applying online and submitting documents, candidates go through an entrance exam, orientation, the CPAT, an administrative/HR review, and a panel interview, followed by a conditional offer and a medical exam, drug test, and background check before being hired.