Fire Department · Combination
Lynden Fire Department
Lynden, WA · Whatcom County
Lynden Fire Department protects the community of Lynden, Washington, from a single station at 215 4th Street that was renovated and reopened in December 2021. The department relies on volunteer firefighter/EMTs who cover 12- and 24-hour duty shifts and are encouraged to respond to calls while off duty.
Beyond fire response, Lynden operates an ambulance utility that funds emergency medical transport for residents, and the department rounds out its community work with life-safety inspections and public CPR/AED training.
New members complete Firefighter I certification through the county Fire Recruit Academy along with an EMT course during their first year, making this a training-forward department for people entering the fire service.
Lynden recruits volunteer firefighter/EMTs once a year, taking applications ahead of the Fall Fire Recruit Academy. Interested candidates call the department during business hours and attend an orientation meeting where they submit their materials, then move through a written pre-employment test (85% minimum to advance), a physical agility test, and a pre-employment physical exam.
Note that the department has stated there will be no 2026 volunteer recruitment, so prospective applicants should confirm the current cycle before applying.
Requirements
- Pass a written pre-employment test with a minimum score of 85%
- Pass a physical agility test
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Complete county Fire Recruit Academy (Firefighter I) and an EMT course in the first year
- Commit to a minimum of one year of service after certification
Hiring process
- Call the department during business hours to express interest
- Attend the orientation meeting and submit application materials
- Pass the written pre-employment test (85% minimum)
- Pass the physical agility test
- Complete a pre-employment physical examination
- Complete Fire Recruit Academy (Firefighter I) and EMT certification in the first year
Benefits
Recruits are paid the state minimum wage per hour while on duty (off-duty call responses are unpaid). First-year training costs $1,200 per program, of which the candidate is responsible for $600; that $600 is reimbursed after one year of service.
First-year members complete the county Fire Recruit Academy for Firefighter I certification plus an EMT course; both meet Tuesday/Thursday evenings and Saturdays.
How do I apply to become a Lynden firefighter/EMT?
The department takes volunteer applications once a year ahead of the Fall Fire Recruit Academy. Call 360-354-4400 during business hours to express interest, then attend an orientation meeting where you submit your materials.
Is Lynden currently hiring?
The department has stated there will be no 2026 volunteer recruitment, so confirm the current cycle before applying.
What tests are part of the hiring process?
Candidates must pass a written pre-employment test with at least 85%, a physical agility test, and a pre-employment physical examination.
What training will I need to complete?
In your first year you complete the county Fire Recruit Academy for Firefighter I certification plus an EMT course. Both meet Tuesday/Thursday evenings and Saturdays.
What is the schedule and pay?
Members work 12- or 24-hour duty shifts and are paid the state minimum wage per hour while on duty. Off-duty responses are encouraged but unpaid.
Are there any costs to join?
First-year training runs $1,200 per program, of which you are responsible for $600. That $600 is reimbursed after completing one year of service.