Fire Department · Career
Newport News Fire Department
Newport News, VA · Newport News (city) County
Over 400 personnel
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Newport News Fire Department traces its roots to a bucket-brigade response to a summer 1888 post office fire; after a devastating 1891 fire destroyed 26 structures, the city organized a formal volunteer department under Chief W. K. Stowe. The department professionalized steadily through the 20th century, motorizing in 1913, adding paid staff through the 1910s-40s, launching a free ambulance service in 1958, and reaching milestones including L. L. Orie becoming the department's first African American firefighter (1968) and later its Fire Chief, and the hiring of its first female firefighter in the 1980s.
Today the department is an all-hazards agency responding to more than 39,000 calls a year from 11 stations organized into two operational battalions, delivering fire suppression and EMS alongside four specialty response capabilities covering hazardous materials, explosive ordnance disposal, technical/swiftwater rescue, and marine incident response. The department holds a Class 1 ISO rating (achieved 2015, maintained through 2024) and has been continuously CFAI-accredited since 2008, with reaccreditation completed in 2024. A dedicated training facility, built in 2004, supports ongoing recruit and in-service training.
MissionMitigate all situations that may threaten life and property while advancing prevention, preparedness, and community engagement.
The department hires Firefighter/Medic recruits who complete the Peninsula Regional Fire Academy and must earn EMT-Paramedic certification and pass National Registry testing; recruits are paid during training. Post-training schedule runs approximately 10 working days per month.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Agreement not to use tobacco products
- Fire/EMS certifications preferred but not required at time of application
- DMV point balance no worse than -3; no DUI, reckless driving, or license suspension convictions in the past 3 years; no more than one lifetime DUI
- No marijuana use within the past year; no illegal drug use or felony possession within the past 3 years
- Must be able to obtain required immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B) and TB screening
Hiring process
- Submit application during open period
- Panel interview (scheduled after application period closes)
- Polygraph examination
- Psychological evaluation
- Comprehensive background check
- Pre-employment substance abuse test
- Physical examination
Benefits
Certification incentive pay of $4,000/year for EMT-I and $10,000/year for Paramedic; education bonuses of $600-$1,000/year for associate's or bachelor's degrees; VRS 25-year retirement program; dental, vision, and life insurance for employee and family; paid vacation and sick leave; tuition reimbursement; career advancement opportunities.
Recruits must complete two structured recruit training programs, including the Peninsula Regional Fire Academy, and are compensated during training.
Is Newport News Fire Department currently hiring firefighter/medics?
Yes, the Firefighter/Medic Recruit application period is currently open.
What is the starting salary for a Firefighter/Medic recruit?
The base salary is $55,960, with additional certification pay of $4,000/year for EMT-I or $10,000/year for Paramedic, plus education bonuses of $600-$1,000/year.
What training is required?
Recruits must complete the Peninsula Regional Fire Academy and earn EMT-Paramedic certification with National Registry testing; recruits are paid during training.
What is the department's ISO rating and accreditation status?
The department holds a Class 1 ISO rating (the highest possible) and is CFAI accredited, having been reaccredited in 2024.
How many stations does the department operate?
The department operates 11 fire stations organized into two operational battalions.