Chatham Fire Department

Chatham Fire Department is a private department that has over 150 career and volunteer firefighters who serve our community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from 14 stations across nearly 245 square miles of Chatham County, Georgia. Our services include Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Response, Fire Prevention, Fire Investigation, Technical Rescue and a host of other services.

About Us

Chatham Fire Department is a combination department having both career and volunteer firefighters. Our department is divided into four battalions and four volunteer divisions. We currently operate 14 engines, 4 aerial trucks, 4 water tenders, an air truck, 2 small boats, a Polaris and dozens of other support vehicles. We have achieved a ISO (Insurance Services Office) class 3/3x rating. This high rating has been earned by only 10% of the fire departments in the nation. Our dedicated team members stand ready to mitigate the numerous emergencies that arise in our community.

Opportunities to serve

Volunteer Firefighter

Becoming a volunteer firefighter is a rewarding way to give back to the community while building friendships that last forever. As a volunteer firefighter, you will build up pride as you push yourself to accomplish your certifications and help protect the community you live in. Another benefit of being a volunteer is the Georgia Firefighters Penson Fund. Chatham Fire Department will pay your yearly pension, as long as you remain in good standing with the department. Reach out to the Volunteer Division Chief in your area for questions and to learn more information.

Recruit Firefighter

The recruit firefighter is the entry level rank within Chatham Fire Department. A recruit firefighter will attend a 22 week recruit school, where they will obtain Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, Hazmat Core, and EMT certifications. The recruit school is designed to push the candidate to their limitats and build up their confidence.  After recruit school the recruit firefighter will be placed into a rotation through the three battalions. This gives the recruit an opportunity to learn about station life and get some real life experience with other experienced firefighters.

Lateral Firefighter

Our lateral firefighter position is a great way for Chatham Fire Department to gain certified and qualified firefighters. As a lateral firefighter, personnel would join the department at the level they are qualified and certified to fill. Personnel will attend a 2 week training session to learn how the department works. Once completed, the lateral firefighter will be released for a station assignment. Positions that can be filled by a lateral firefighter are: Advanced Firefighter, Apparatus Operator 1, or Apparatus Operator 2. Apply today to learn more.

Application Process:

1. The first step is to apply online via one of the above application links.

2. Candidates will be sent and must pass an online written aptitude exam.

3. Candidates will then be invited to a Physical Agility Test (PAT). The video aside shows an example of our Physical Agility Test.

4. Passing Candidates will be invited for a formal interview with members of the Leadership Team.

Offers will be extended to candidates who excel on all assessments and interview processes. We are looking to grow our organization with passionate, driven team members

Our Career Positions

Recruit Firefighter

While assigned to the Recruit Firefighter Academy and in a training capacity under immediate supervision, the Recruit Firefighter receives instructions to develop the knowledge, skills, and physical agility and strength to qualify for the position of Firefighter. The Recruit Firefighter is a trainee-level classification and incumbents are required to successfully complete the entire Recruit Firefighter Academy including all physical fitness training sessions and evaluations, classroom and skill sessions, clinicals, and evaluations and testing to obtain all fire and emergency medical certifications as a condition of continued employment.

Firefighter

 Upon successful completion of the Academy, recruits are promoted to Firefighter an entry-level fire prevention, suppression, and emergency medical response classification.

Advanced Firefighter

Under the direction of an Apparatus Operator and/or Fire Lieutenant, the Advanced Firefighter (AFF) is responsible for fire prevention education, pre-fire planning, emergency medical care, fire suppression, hazardous materials releases, and rescue operations; performs physical fitness training to maintain physical fitness and readiness; attends refresher and continuing education training sessions to improve knowledge, skills, and ability to best perform fire services; and assists in apparatus, equipment, and facility maintenance. The AFF may also be assigned/function as a Apparatus Operator 1(AO 1).

Apparatus Operator 1

Under the direction of a Fire Lieutenant, the Apparatus Operator 1 (AO 1) is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating activities of an Engine/Squad Company at an assigned station.

Apparatus Operator 2

Under the direction of a Fire Lieutenant, the Apparatus Operator 2 (AO 2) is responsible for assisting in planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating activities of a Truck Company at an assigned station.

Lieutenant - Operations

Under the direction of a Fire District Chief, the Fire Lieutenant has direct supervision over assigned emergency services personnel in performing the following duties: implements department goals and objectives, responding to emergency scenes, participates in daily training exercises, general public complaints, maintains discipline and ensures that personnel follow department rules and regulations

Captain - Operations

Under the direction of a Fire District Chief, the Fire Captain is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and performing activities including fire, rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency medical response; inspections, investigations, and training; and resource management and support functions within an assigned division. Duties also include managing assigned programs such as community risk reduction, emergency medical responder services, special operations, etc. Incumbents may also be assigned to special projects at the discretion of the Fire Chief to perform specific administrative duties in support of the department’s mission, vision, and goals.

District Chief

Under the direction of the Deputy Fire Chief, the District Chief is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, coordinating activities of an assigned shift. Duties include the management of personnel, apparatus, equipment, and facilities; training activities; fire prevention inspection and education; pre-plans and hydrant testing; and the oversight of assigned major programs. The District Chief is also responsible for managing emergency response as required by departmental policy and assumes command of incidents.

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Captain - Safety

Under the direction of the Fire Safety and Training Chief, the Fire Captain assigned as a shift Fire Safety / Training Officer is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and delivery of all assigned training and safety programs. Duties include but are not limited to curriculum and program development; coordinating and delivery of initial certification training, continuing education, and competency evaluations for fire personnel; conducts classroom, field instructions and drills; maintains training records; respond to emergency incidents as the fire safety officer; investigate all occupational injuries, illness, exposures, and fatalities or accidents involving department vehicles, equipment or facilities; inspect facilities, apparatus/vehicles, personal protective equipment, and equipment to ensure compliance with occupational and manufacturer health and safety standards; observe fire and EMS operations to ensure compliance with national standards, protocols, and best practices and recommend corrections to inconsistencies; manage other assigned programs and projects.

Division Chief - Safety & Training

Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Division Chief – Safety & Training assigned as the Fire Training Officer is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating all training activities of the fire department. Duties include but are not limited to implementing annual training priorities, goals, and objectives; curriculum and program development; managing, coordinating, and scheduling delivery of initial certification training, continuing education and competency evaluations for all fire personnel; conducts classroom, field instructions and drills; maintain training records; respond to emergency incidents as a fire officer; and manages other assigned programs and projects.

Fire/EMS Coordinator

Under the direction of the Fire Training and Safety Division Chief, the Fire/EMS Training Coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating fire training activities of the fire department. Duties include but are not limited to supporting annual training priorities, goals, and objectives; conducting initial certification and continuing education training, and competency evaluations for fire personnel; conducts classroom, field instructions and drills; assist in maintaining training records; respond to emergency incidents as a firefighter; and manages other assigned programs and projects. This position is considered part of the Chatham Emergency Services (CES) critical workforce and subject to call back. Functions as the Resource Unit Leader during disaster or emergency activation of the CES Incident Management Team. Incumbents may also be assigned to special projects at the discretion of the Fire Chief to perform specific administrative duties in support of the department’s mission, vision, and goals.

Department Training

We conduct daily company training to stay in touch with the changing strategies and tactics of the fire service. We also offer National Professional Qualification (NPQ) courses and Georgia Fire Academy (GFA) courses which are held at our training facility throughout the year. We offer the following NPQ courses:  Firefighter 1/2, Hazmat Core, Apparatus Operator Pumper/Aerial, Fire Officer 1/2/3, and Fire Instructor 1. Some GFA courses offered are Leadership Series, Fire Investigations, and Pressurized Container.

 

Our department by the numbers

Chatham Fire Department is a department made up of volunteer firefighters, career firefighters, and first responders dedicated to protecting the community.

Career Personnel

Fire Stations

Volunteer Firefighters

Fire Calls (2020)

Full Perks & Benefits

7 Paid Holidays

Additional PTO Hours accrued on company approved holidays.

Free Continuing Education Classes

Fire, EMS and Dispatch courses.

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New Live Fire Training Facility

Numerous courses offered throughout the year include NPQ and State level fire classes.

Annual Uniform Allowance

Get full uniform and boots yearly with included annual allowance.

Free Gym Memberships

Wellness plan with various locations throughout the county.

College Tuition Reimbursement Program

Up to $2500 in annual college tuition reimbursement.

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Cash payout each paycheck if our insurance is not needed.

Free Life Insurance = 1.5x Salary

Spouse and Children life insurance included as well.

401k with Company Match Up To 4%

Traditional and ROTH options available.

Competitive Pay & Many Shift Choices

8, 12 & 24 Hour EMS Shifts. 24 Hour Fire Shifts. 12 Hour Dispatch Shifts.

Relocation Assistance Program

Get reimbursed for part of your travel and relocation costs!

Free Annual Wellness Exams

Receive a full medical workup each year to help maintain your health.

Birthday Gift Cards

A small gift from us to you, each year!

Bereavement & Jury Duty Leave

Called to serve or going through a tough time? We've got your back.

Paid Time Off

Starting at 3 weeks per year with more hours accrued with seniority.

Free Long Term Disability

Short term disability also available.

Co-Worker Financial Assistance Fund

HOOO - Helping One of Our Own Fund

College Tuition Discount

10% Discount with Columbia Southern University

Teladoc Service

With low $20 copay.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Designated account to assist with health and dependent expenses.

AT&T FirstNet Available

Option to get unlimited talk, text, and data discount for cell phone.

New Fleet and Equipment

Progressive vehicle replacement schedule.

Adoption Assistance Program

Financial reimbursement available for child adoption related costs.

Let’s Work Together

Still have questions? Ask away!

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