The Virginia Beach Fire Department is a full-service, metropolitan-sized organization providing all-hazards response to Virginia Beach. Its work spans fire suppression, emergency management, hazardous materials, technical rescue, marine operations, fire inspections, investigations, life safety education, and disaster response.

The department traces its roots to 1906 as an all-volunteer service, added paid firefighters in 1928, and consolidated into a single city department in 1963 (growing from just 11 career staff at that time). Today it operates 21 facilities and employs more than 600 career firefighters alongside over 40 civilian support staff and volunteer support team members.

Virginia Beach is a recognized leader in the fire service, holding Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International since 2001. It also houses Virginia Task Force 2, a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team.

MissionAll-hazard response service for our community that includes fire suppression, emergency management, hazardous materials (HazMat), technical rescue, marine operations, fire inspections, fire investigations, life safety education, fire training and disaster response

How to get hired

Entry-level firefighter recruit candidates must be at least 18 at the time of the written test, hold a high school diploma or GED by the time of the eligibility list, and possess a valid driver's license. The multi-step process runs from an online application through a written test, the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), a personal history questionnaire and reference checks, structured oral interviews, pre-assessment physicals and psychological evaluations, background checks, and final offers.

The department also hires already-certified firefighters (Firefighter I & II via IFSAC or ProBoard, plus EMT and other credentials). Candidates can join a career interest list to be notified when applications open.

Requirements

At least 18 years old at time of written test
High school graduate or GED at time of eligibility list
Valid driver's license at time of application
Eligible to work in the U.S. at time of application
Certified firefighter applicants: Firefighter I & II (IFSAC or ProBoard), FEMA/ICS 100/200/700/800, emergency vehicle operator's course, CPR, HazMat operations, and Virginia or nationally registered EMT (ALS preferred)

Hiring process

Online application
Written test
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
Personal history questionnaire and reference checks
Structured oral interviews
Pre-assessment physicals and psychological evaluations
Background checks
Final offers

Leadership & hiring contacts

Kenneth Pravetz

Fire Chief

Frequently asked questions

What are the minimum requirements to become a firefighter recruit?

You must be at least 18 years old at the time of the written test, be a high school graduate or hold a GED by the time of the eligibility list, have a valid driver's license, and be eligible to work in the U.S.

What does the hiring process involve?

The process runs in order: online application, written test, Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), personal history questionnaire and reference checks, structured oral interviews, pre-assessment physicals and psychological evaluations, background checks, and final offers.

Does Virginia Beach hire already-certified firefighters?

Yes. Certified firefighter applicants are expected to hold Firefighter I & II (IFSAC or ProBoard), FEMA/ICS courses (100, 200, 700, 800), an emergency vehicle operator's course, CPR, HazMat operations training, and Virginia or nationally registered EMT certification (ALS preferred).

How do I find out when applications open?

You can complete a career interest form to receive notifications when applications open. For questions, contact Fire Department Human Resources at (757) 385-5640 or HireVBFD@vbgov.com.

How large is the department?

Virginia Beach is a full-service metropolitan department with more than 600 career firefighters, over 40 civilian support staff, and volunteer support members, operating out of 21 facilities.