Fire Department · Career
Valley Regional Fire Authority
Auburn, WA · King County
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Department careers page ↗Valley Regional Fire Authority was formed on January 1, 2007, when voters approved merging the Auburn Fire Department with the Pacific Fire Department and the City of Algona into a single regional fire authority. The combined agency traces its roots back over a century, to Auburn's 1890 volunteer bucket brigade and Pacific's 1932 council-formed department, and today operates as one of only a handful of internationally accredited fire agencies in Washington State.
From five stations spread across a 34-square-mile response area, VRFA provides fire suppression, basic life support EMS, technical rescue (rope and swift water), hazardous materials response, and community risk-reduction programs to roughly 99,000 residents across Auburn, Algona, and Pacific. Engines run with a minimum of two firefighters and a captain around the clock, aid units are staffed by two firefighter/EMT-Ds, and a Battalion Chief is on duty at all times.
MissionWe serve the whole community. The VRFA saves lives and protects property through reliable emergency services, preparedness and prevention.
VRFA hires firefighter/EMTs through the National Testing Network (NTN) FireTeam process. Candidates complete a written exam and CPAT physical, are ranked on a combined score, and the Fire Chief selects from a certified eligibility list before sending new hires to a regional recruit academy.
Requirements
- Meet basic eligibility requirements (see WA Fire Careers eligibility standards)
- Pass the National Testing Network (NTN) FireTeam written exam with a minimum 70% score
- Complete a CPAT physical exam from an accredited agency
- Complete the Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA) and Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)
- Veterans must submit a Veteran's Declaration form and DD214 at the oral board interview
Hiring process
- Pass the NTN FireTeam written exam and CPAT physical
- Advance to an oral board interview if among top scorers
- Placement on an eligibility list (30% written exam + 70% oral board, plus veterans' preference)
- Chief's interview — Fire Chief selects from the certified eligibility list
- Pre-employment background investigation, drug test, psychological and medical exams
- Attend recruit academy at the South King County Fire Training Consortium in Kent, WA
Benefits
Medical coverage through the Northwest Firefighter Trust (Regence Plan 1500), dental via Delta Dental Plan F, and vision through Regence/VSP, with VRFA covering premiums for employees and dependents. Retirement is through the LEOFF pension system plus an HRA VEBA account and deferred compensation options (WA State DCP, Mass Mutual/Edward Jones, or Roth 457 via ICMA). Also offers tuition reimbursement and CBA-based education incentives.
New hires attend the South King County Fire Training Consortium regional recruit academy in Kent, WA; the consortium does not provide on-site dorm/housing.
How do I become a firefighter with Valley Regional Fire Authority?
Applicants complete the National Testing Network (NTN) FireTeam written exam and a CPAT physical, then advance to an oral board interview if they score well enough. Final eligibility list placement is 30% written exam plus 70% oral board score, and the Fire Chief hires from that list before sending recruits to a regional training academy.
What is the minimum passing score on VRFA's written exam?
Candidates must score at least 70% on the NTN FireTeam written exam to be considered for the oral board interview.
Where do VRFA firefighter recruits attend academy?
New hires attend the South King County Fire Training Consortium's recruit academy in Kent, WA, which does not provide on-site dorm or housing.
What communities does Valley Regional Fire Authority serve?
VRFA serves the cities of Auburn, Algona, and Pacific, Washington, covering about 34 square miles and roughly 99,000 residents from five fire stations.
Is Valley Regional Fire Authority an accredited fire department?
Yes. VRFA holds Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) accreditation for 2022-2027, one of only eight agencies in Washington State with this distinction.