Suffolk Fire Department

Suffolk Fire & Rescue traces its roots to a volunteer organization founded on October 5, 1884, and transitioned to a paid department beginning in July 1915 with six personnel. Today the department has grown into a full-service career agency of 316 firefighters, paramedics, officers, and administrative staff operating out of nine fire stations across the city.

The department's apparatus fleet includes 11 engine companies, 3 ladder companies, a heavy rescue unit, 8 ALS ambulances, 4 tankers, 4 brush trucks, and specialized units such as a mobile communications bus, a rehabilitation bus, a mass casualty bus, and a fire boat, supporting response to more than 19,000 calls for service each year. Beyond suppression and EMS, the department covers technical rescue, hazardous materials response, marine incident response, and community fire prevention and public education programs.

Suffolk Fire & Rescue describes itself as an evolving emergency services leader within the Hampton Roads region, emphasizing proactive, dynamic service to the city's residents and visitors alongside a stated commitment to diversity, integrity, and professionalism among its ranks.

Suffolk Fire & Rescue hires through the City of Suffolk's NeoGov recruitment portal. The department does not list open firefighter/EMS positions on its site at all times; candidates are encouraged to sign up for job alerts to be notified when recruitment opens. Candidates preparing to apply are pointed to a CPAT informational video and CPAT manual to prepare for the physical ability test.