Requirements

1. City residency is required by the application deadline (See FAQs) Refer to “Requirements” section.
2. High school diploma/GED.
3. Good physical and mental health.
4. Drug Free.
5. 18 years of age at time of appointment.
6. Valid NYS driver’s license.

Requirements to Become a Firefighter in New York

1. Must be at least 17.5 years of age but not more than 29 years of age by the beginning of the application process.
2. Must be a U.S. citizen.
3. Must hold a high school diploma or GED.
4. Must be a resident of the state.
5. Must hold a valid driver’s license of the state.

The Rochester Fire Department has over 500 diverse uniformed and non-uniformed members, who reflect the community as a whole. Our 13 engines, 6 trucks, heavy rescue, and support staff respond to help from 16 neighborhood fire stations.

Firefighters help to enforce building safety. Fire departments help to implement the NFPA standards and codes that make buildings, homes and workplaces safer. They also help to ensure compliance with these standards in the long run.

86 Fire Departments
Monroe County, NY has 86 Fire Departments and Fire Stations.

Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies involving life, property, or the environment. On the scene of a fire or other emergency, firefighters’ work may be dangerous. On call at fire stations, firefighters sleep, eat, and perform other duties during shifts that often last 24 hours.

Adherence to the standards set forth in the most recent edition of the above will be required throughout employment as a uniformed member of the Rochester Fire Department. The duration of the hiring process in its entirety varies. On average it may take six (6) to eight (8) weeks to receive written civil service examination results.

We protect life and property through fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous material management, technical rescue, fire prevention, disaster preparedness, public education and community risk reduction. The effective delivery of these services is achieved through a commitment to our employees and the community.

Firefighters also have the opportunity to work in other areas such as fire prevention, public education, training, special operations, administration, fire investigations, community outreach and information technology. 13 Paid holidays.

Our 13 engines, 6 trucks, heavy rescue, and support staff respond to help from 16 neighborhood fire stations. Firefighters respond to numerous emergency situations, such as, vehicle extrication, medical emergencies, high-level rescue, hazardous materials incidents, structural collapse, swift water rescue, and many more emergency operations.