Fire Department · Career
Tacoma Fire Department
Tacoma, WA · Pierce County
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Department careers page ↗Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) has served Washington's third-largest city since 1880 and today operates as a full-service department covering structure fire, emergency medical response, hazardous materials, technical rescue, marine/fireboat operations, and fire prevention. It works out of 17 stations.
Beyond Tacoma proper, TFD provides service under contract to Fircrest, Fife, and Pierce County Fire District #10, giving it a combined service population of more than 245,000. Its response fleet includes 16 engine companies, 4 ladder companies, 5 medic (ambulance) companies, 7 basic life support transport companies, and 2 cross-staffed fireboats.
The department is budgeted for roughly 515 total positions, of which about 451 are commissioned (uniformed) personnel. It also runs community-focused programs such as the HOPE Team, TFD CARES, a Community Liaison Program, and its own paramedic training program.
TFD describes itself as a progressive and responsive public safety organization, and is led by Fire Chief Sionna Stallings-Ala'ilima, appointed in April 2025.
MissionTo protect people, property, and the environment, and professionally and compassionately serve the community.
Tacoma hires entry-level firefighters through a periodic, competitive recruitment cycle rather than continuous open applications. Candidates must pass every stage of the selection process, and eligible applicants are placed on an eligibility list used to fill academy classes. Prospective applicants are encouraged to register for a job interest card at governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma so they are notified when the next announcement opens.
The current cycle's application window opens September 1, with in-person information sessions in October and a written exam in December, producing an eligibility list in January. For questions, the recruitment team can be reached at (253) 573-2405 or recruit@tacoma.gov.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old at time of application
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Valid Washington State driver's license required at appointment
- Non-smoker/tobacco user within the last two years
- Must pass a background check including driving record, criminal history, and credit history
Hiring process
- Written examination
- Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT)
- Oral examination
- Medical examination
- Background check (driving record, criminal history, credit history)
Eligible candidates are placed on an eligibility list used to fill firefighter academy classes; the current cycle's application window opens September 1, with information sessions in October, a written exam in December, and an eligibility list in January.
What are the minimum requirements to apply?
You must be at least 18 at the time of application, have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, hold a valid Washington State driver's license at appointment, and have been a non-smoker/tobacco user within the last two years.
What does the hiring process involve?
The selection process includes a written examination, the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT), an oral examination, a medical examination, and a background check covering driving record, criminal history, and credit history. You must pass all portions.
When can I apply?
Tacoma runs periodic recruitment cycles rather than continuous hiring. In the current cycle the application window opens September 1, with information sessions in October, a written exam in December, and an eligibility list in January.
How do I get notified about openings?
Register for a job interest card at governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma so you are notified when the next firefighter announcement opens.
Who do I contact with recruitment questions?
The recruitment team can be reached at (253) 573-2405 or recruit@tacoma.gov, or in person at 901 Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.