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FIRE DEPARTMENT

Houston Fire Department

Protecting the nation's fourth-largest city since 1838

Houston, Texas
Est. 1838
Houston Fire Department logo
3,880Personnel
0Stations
$0Starting Pay
0Calls / Year

About the Department

The Houston Fire Department is the largest fire department in Texas and one of the largest in the nation, protecting over 2 million residents across 654 square miles. HFD operates 91 fire stations with 3,880 career firefighters providing fire suppression, advanced life support EMS, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and community risk reduction. The department runs 87 engine companies, 32 truck companies, 36 medic units, and 56 ambulances.

Capabilities

Specialties & Capabilities

14 specialized units across 4 divisions

Operations

Full-service fire and EMS, all personnel are paramedics beyond probationary year

4
Structural Firefighting
Advanced Life Support
ARFF (Airport Rescue)
Marine Unit

Technical Rescue

Specialized rescue in extreme environments

4
Technical Rescue
Dive/Water Rescue
High Angle Rescue
Confined Space Rescue

Prevention & Investigation

Fire prevention, investigation, and public safety partnerships

3
Hazardous Materials
Fire Investigations
Fire Inspections

Support & Community

Community engagement, education, and member wellness

3
Community Risk Reduction
Honor Guard
Peer Support
14 total specializations

Compensation

Entry Salary$0
Top Step (7 yrs)$0
Overtime

Overtime eligible after 46.7-hour workweek

Promotional & Incentive Pay

Paramedic hiring bonus: $20,000
Paramedic certification: +$3,000/yr
4-shift rotation (A, B, C, D platoons)

Benefits Package

Health Insurance

City of Houston benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage

HFRRF Pension

Houston Firefighters' Relief & Retirement Fund (est. 1937): defined benefit plan with retirement, disability, and death benefits

Paid Time Off

24-hour shifts (6:30 AM to 6:30 AM), 4-shift rotation system with generous leave accrual

Wellness & Fitness

On-duty fitness time with station gym equipment and department wellness programs

Eligibility Requirements

Age18-36 years at oath of office
EducationHigh school diploma or GED + 15 transferable college credit hours (grade C+) or DD-214 with 2 years honorable discharge
Driver's LicenseValid Texas driver's license with no more than 2 moving violations in 36 months
CertificationsEMT (Basic or higher) + Texas FIRE Certification (Basic or higher)
BackgroundNo felony convictions; drug screening and background investigation required
CitizenshipU.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States

Education & Training

7-9 months

Recruit Academy

7-9 month paramilitary program (non-certified) or 3-6 months (certified) including fire school and EMT school.

Ongoing

Continuing Education

Annual training requirements for TCFP CE and NREMT recertification.

Community

Life in Houston, Texas

2,300,000Population
$332,000Median Home
92COL Index

Why Houston

Fourth-largest city in the United States with world-class cultural institutions
Major hub for energy, healthcare, aerospace, and technology industries
Housing costs 20% below national urban average
Home to Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world
Diverse international cuisine scene and vibrant arts district
Pro sports teams: Texans (NFL), Rockets (NBA), Astros (MLB), Dynamo (MLS)

Accreditations & Recognition

NFPA Compliant Operations
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