The Chattanooga Fire Department is looking for the next generation of firefighters who will help strengthen the department and continue the legacy of service and dedication. It is currently taking applications for fire cadets for the next Fire Academy which is expected to start in January 2024. The 2023 Fire Academy is currently underway.
Officials said a career in the fire service is rewarding and challenging- no shift is the same. Firefighters have to be prepared to respond to many different kinds of calls to help citizens when they need it the most.
Steeped in more than 150 years of history in Chattanooga, the CFD leads the way with superior response, training and reputation, said officials. It has 26 companies housed in 20 stations across the city, a Fire Prevention Bureau that conducts inspections year-round, a training center and a repair shop. In all, more than 400 dedicated men and women provide firefighting, emergency medical care, and all-hazards response.
Candidates will be responsible for participating in the six-month Fire Training Academy. Duties include attending class, taking exams and integrating classroom training during hands-on exercises. No prior experience or knowledge is required. The training staff will educate cadets on all aspects of the fire service. They will complete Emergency Medical Technician training and learn how to fight different types of fires. They will also master other skills like hazardous materials operations, vehicle extrication, rope rescues, tactical ventilation, self-rescue and how to save fellow firefighters’ lives in dangerous situations.
For more information on the hiring process, email CFDRecruiting@chattanooga.gov.
Click here to apply for Fire Cadet.