Fire Department · Career
Lynchburg Fire Department
Lynchburg, VA · Lynchburg (city) County
The Lynchburg Fire Department is a full-service career agency that has protected central Virginia's Hill City since 1883, marking its 140th anniversary in 2023. It operates from eight fire stations backed by an administrative office, a logistics shop, and a dedicated Fire Training Center.
With about 223 personnel spanning firefighters, EMS providers, and civilian staff, the department delivers fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and confined-space rescue.
The department serves an estimated 80,000 city residents plus the daily commuters who work, study, and pass through Lynchburg, aiming to be recognized as a premier public safety agency in Virginia.
MissionFirst in Safety. First in Service. First in Community.
Lynchburg hires entry-level firefighters through a structured, multi-stage process that runs about four to five months from application to academy, depending on the applicant pool and number of openings. Candidates apply online, sit for a written exam, complete a personal history statement, and face a five-member oral interview panel before an extensive background investigation and conditional offer.
New hires without prior experience attend a 22-week recruit academy earning Firefighter I, Hazmat Operations, Vehicle Rescue, and EMT-Basic certifications; experienced providers may qualify for a shortened 4-to-8-week program. To get started, contact Fire Administration at 434-455-HIRE (4473) or sign up for job notifications through governmentjobs.com and check the "Fire and EMS" box.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old by the date of employment offer
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid Virginia driver's license required before academy start
- High moral standards
- Pass background checks including DMV, criminal history, physical, mental health, and polygraph
- EMT-Basic certification preferred; Paramedic optional
Hiring process
- Submit written application
- Pass written exam
- Submit personal history statement
- Oral interview before a five-member panel
- Extensive background investigation
- Conditional job offer
- Medical evaluation
- Psychological evaluation
- Enroll in recruit academy
Benefits
Benefits include paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; health, dental, and prescription coverage; life insurance; a Virginia Retirement System plan; and paid training and education. Shift differentials are available for medic-unit staffing, and additional pay is offered for specialty certifications such as Technical Rescue and Hazmat.
22-week recruit academy for new hires (Firefighter I, Hazmat Operations, Vehicle Rescue, EMT-Basic); experienced providers may qualify for an abbreviated 4-8 week program.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Lynchburg firefighter?
You must be at least 18 by your employment offer date, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a valid Virginia driver's license before the academy begins. EMT-Basic certification is preferred, and candidates must pass DMV, criminal history, physical, mental health, and polygraph screenings.
How much do Lynchburg firefighters earn?
Entry-level BLS firefighters start at $47,507 per year, and ALS firefighters (paramedics) start at $54,200. Raises follow academy completion and a one-year probation, with shift differentials for medic-unit staffing and extra pay for specialty certifications.
How long is the hiring process?
The process typically takes four to five months from application to academy, depending on the applicant pool and number of openings. It includes a written exam, personal history statement, five-member oral panel interview, background investigation, and medical and psychological evaluations.
What does the recruit academy involve?
New hires without prior experience attend a 22-week academy earning Firefighter I, Hazmat Operations, Vehicle Rescue, and EMT-Basic certifications. Experienced providers may qualify for a shortened 4-to-8-week program.
How do I apply?
Contact Fire Administration at 434-455-HIRE (4473) or sign up for job notifications at governmentjobs.com and check the "Fire and EMS" box to be alerted when positions open.
Is EMT or paramedic certification required?
EMT-Basic certification is preferred but not strictly required to apply, and paramedic certification is optional. Paramedics start at a higher salary, and the academy includes EMT-Basic training for those who need it.