Denton Fire Department
Protecting the citizens of Denton since 1874
About the Department
The Denton Fire Department serves a growing university city of approximately 159,000 residents across 100+ square miles. Led by Fire Chief Kenneth Hedges, DFD operates 9 fire stations staffed by 235 personnel providing fire suppression, advanced life support EMS, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and community risk reduction. The department holds an ISO Class 1 public protection rating, CFAI international accreditation, and CAAS EMS accreditation. DFD's core values are Respect, Integrity, Courage, and Honor (RICH). Mission: To protect life, property, and the environment through prevention, education, and emergency response.
Specialties & Capabilities
23 specialized units across 4 divisions
Operations
Full-service fire and EMS, all personnel are paramedics beyond probationary year
Technical Rescue
Specialized rescue in extreme environments
Prevention & Investigation
Fire prevention, investigation, and public safety partnerships
Support & Community
Community engagement, education, and member wellness
Compensation
Time-and-a-half after 106 hours per 14-day FLSA work period
Promotional & Incentive Pay
Benefits Package
Health Insurance
United Healthcare PPO with two plan options (Elm and Oak), prescription drug coverage included
Dental & Vision
Humana dental with orthodontia and vision coverage, 50,000+ network locations
DFRRF Pension
Denton Firemen's Relief & Retirement Fund: 12.6% employee + 18.5% city contribution, 91.1% funded, retire at 50 with 20 years of service
Paid Time Off
24/48 shift schedule, 15 hrs/mo vacation and sick leave, 11 holidays + 2 personal floating days
Tuition Reimbursement
100% reimbursement up to $5,250/yr at accredited institutions, eligible after 6 months
Parental Leave
6 weeks paid at 100% base pay for birth, adoption, or foster placement
Wellness & Fitness
On-duty fitness time, annual physicals, Marathon Health employee clinic at no cost, free rec center memberships
Life & Disability
1x salary life + AD&D and long-term disability at 60% pay, both city-paid through Symetra
Union Representation
Denton Fire Fighter's Association, IAFF Local 1291, with Meet and Confer agreement and labor management privileges under Texas Chapter 142
Eligibility Requirements
Education & Training
Recruit Academy
16-week in-house academy covering department operations, advanced fire behavior, EMS protocols, apparatus operations, and physical fitness standards.
Continuing Education
Annual training requirements include 20 hours of TCFP CE, NREMT recertification, and department-specific training on special operations.
Officer Development
Structured promotional pathway through Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Assistant Chief with formal assessment centers.
Degree Programs
Partnerships with University of North Texas and NCTC for Fire Science, Emergency Management, and Public Administration degree programs with flexible scheduling for shift workers.
Community
Life in Denton, Texas
Why Denton
Accreditations & Recognition
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