Fire Department · Combination
College Place Fire Department
College Place, WA · Walla Walla County
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Department careers page ↗The College Place Fire Department protects the city of College Place in the Walla Walla Valley of southeastern Washington. Fire service in the area traces back to the 1940s, when town and county residents organized to establish fire protection, and the department has steadily broadened its scope since.
Today the department is staffed by a paid team of nine that provides administration and around-the-clock coverage, with two paid personnel on duty 24/7 backing up a volunteer and resident firefighter front line. Beyond fire suppression it delivers emergency medical and ambulance service, hazardous materials response, technical and confined-space rescue, and low- and high-angle rescue.
A defining feature is the department's Resident Firefighter Program, which provides free station housing to college students who respond to calls in the evenings and on weekends. The department emphasizes regional cooperation with neighboring Walla Walla agencies and fiscal responsibility to its taxpayers.
MissionSafely provide proficient and competent fire, emergency medical, and other related services to the Community's citizens and guests in a fiscally responsible manner.
Prospective members go through a structured entry process that starts with submitting an application, a driver's abstract form, and an information release, which is routed through the chain of command for evaluation. Candidates then complete the department's Combat Challenge physical agility test (a timed course in full turnouts and SCBA), sit for a panel interview with department members, and finish with an interview with the Fire Chief before being placed on a waiting list for membership.
Students interested in the Resident Firefighter Program follow the same steps plus an additional interview with current resident firefighters, and must first meet the department's standard entry requirements. Program questions go to Training Officer Patrick Evensen.
Requirements
- Submit an application, driver's abstract form, and information release
- Pass the Combat Challenge physical agility test (timed course in four minutes or less, in full turnouts and SCBA)
- Complete a panel interview and a Fire Chief interview
- Resident Firefighter applicants must also interview with current resident firefighters and meet standard entry requirements
Hiring process
- Submit a driver's abstract form, application, and information release; the application is routed through the chain of command and evaluated
- Complete the Combat Challenge timed physical agility test (dummy drag, ventilation simulation, hose drag, stair climb with hose load, hose hoist) in full turnouts and SCBA, in four minutes or less
- Panel interview with department members about motivation and firefighting goals (Resident Firefighter applicants also meet a panel of current resident firefighters)
- Interview with the Fire Chief, after which candidates are placed on a waiting list for membership
Benefits
Members can earn certifications including Firefighter 1, EMT-Basic, and Driver, plus training such as Wildland Red Card and Incident Safety Officer that meets or exceeds NFPA and NWCG standards. Resident firefighters receive free station housing in exchange for evening and weekend on-call response.
New members can obtain Firefighter 1, EMT-Basic, and Driver certifications along with wildland and other specialized training that meets or exceeds NFPA and NWCG standards.
How do I become a firefighter with College Place Fire?
Submit an application along with a driver's abstract form and information release, then pass the Combat Challenge physical agility test and complete a department panel interview and a Fire Chief interview. Successful candidates are placed on a waiting list for membership.
What is the Combat Challenge?
It is the department's timed physical agility test, done in full turnouts and SCBA, that must be completed in four minutes or less. It includes a dummy drag, a ventilation simulation, a hose drag, a stair climb with a 2.5-inch hose load, and a hose hoist.
What is the Resident Firefighter Program?
It provides free station housing to college students who respond to calls during evening hours and on weekends on a rotating-shift basis. The station accommodates up to 13 residents. Applicants must first meet the department's standard entry requirements and complete an extra interview with current resident firefighters.
Is there pay or salary?
The department is primarily volunteer and resident-based. Resident firefighters receive free housing rather than a posted salary; the site does not list wage figures.
What training and certifications can I earn?
Members can earn Firefighter 1, EMT-Basic, and Driver certifications, plus additional training such as Wildland Red Card and Incident Safety Officer that meets or exceeds NFPA and NWCG standards.
Who should I contact about joining?
For the Resident Firefighter Program, contact Training Officer Patrick Evensen at pevensen@cpwa.us. The department's main line is 509-529-1200.