Fire Department · Career
East Pierce Fire & Rescue
Bonney Lake, WA · Pierce County
East Pierce Fire & Rescue serves the fast-growing communities of Bonney Lake, Sumner, Milton, Edgewood, Lake Tapps, South Prairie, Tehaleh and the surrounding Ridge communities in eastern Pierce County. The district was created in 2000 from the merger of the Bonney Lake Fire Department and two Pierce County fire districts, then expanded through a decade of further annexations and mergers ending with Milton in 2013.
Today the district covers about 153 square miles and protects over 115,000 residents. It operates nine facilities, including eight staffed fire stations plus a dedicated marine rescue station on Lake Tapps.
All full-time firefighters are cross-trained as either EMTs or paramedics. The agency is governed by an independently elected board of commissioners and headquartered at a newly opened Station 111 in Bonney Lake.
MissionWe provide exceptional service with compassion and action.
East Pierce hires entry-level firefighters through the National Testing Network (NTN): candidates apply online via GovernmentJobs, complete the FireTEAM written exam, Personal History Questionnaire, Public Safety Self-Assessment and a pre-recorded virtual interview, then advance to oral board and chief interviews before conditional offers and pre-employment screening. No EMT or paramedic certification is required to start — new recruits earn EMT-B, Firefighter I/II and HazMat certifications during the recruit academy at full salary.
The district also accepts lateral candidates who have at least two years of continuous professional firefighter service with no employment gap exceeding six months.
Requirements
- At least 21 years of age by start date
- Valid driver's license
- High school graduate or GED certification
- Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Ability to read, write, and speak the English language
- No EMT or Paramedic certification required for entry-level (provided in the academy)
Hiring process
- Apply online via GovernmentJobs and complete NTN testing (FireTEAM exam, Personal History Questionnaire, Public Safety Self-Assessment, pre-recorded virtual interview)
- Notification of advancement
- Oral board interviews
- Chief interviews
- Conditional offer of employment
- Pre-employment (CPAT, medical exam, drug screening, psychological assessment, background investigation)
- Confirmed offer and start date
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision and VEBA coverage; LEOFF retirement enrollment; 6% deferred compensation; plus life and disability insurance, longevity pay, and educational incentive pay.
New hires attend the Red Knights Recruit Fire Academy (typically 22-25 weeks), earning EMT-B, Firefighter I/II and HazMat certifications at full salary; 12-month probationary period.
What are the minimum requirements to become an entry-level firefighter?
You must be at least 21 by your start date, hold a valid driver's license, be a high school graduate or have a GED, be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and be able to read, write and speak English. No EMT or Paramedic certification is required to apply.
How do I apply and what does the testing process involve?
Apply online via GovernmentJobs and complete National Testing Network (NTN) testing, including the FireTEAM written exam, a Personal History Questionnaire, the Public Safety Self-Assessment, and a pre-recorded virtual interview. Candidates then advance to oral board and chief interviews.
Does East Pierce accept lateral firefighters?
Yes. Lateral candidates must have at least two years of continuous professional firefighter service with no employment gap exceeding six months.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work a Modified Detroit 56 schedule — three 24-hour shifts every nine days — with roughly 16 Kelly Days per year.
What certifications will I earn as a new recruit?
New hires attend the Red Knights Recruit Fire Academy (about 22-25 weeks) and earn EMT-B, Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials certifications while receiving full salary.
What pay and benefits does East Pierce offer?
The 2027 Recruit Firefighter base salary is listed at $8,954 per month. Benefits include medical, dental, vision and VEBA coverage, LEOFF retirement, 6% deferred compensation, life and disability insurance, longevity pay, and educational incentive pay.