Firefighters in training at a Grand Rapids fire station ready to serve the community.
The Grand Rapids Fire Department is seeking to hire 14-20 new firefighters as part of a recruitment drive to fill vacancies due to retirements. With a starting salary of $52,763 and additional benefits, applications are being accepted until June 1. The next Fire Academy begins on January 5, 2026. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including age and licensing requirements. The recruitment comes alongside the construction of two new fire stations in the city, aiming to ensure effective emergency services as the community grows.
Grand Rapids – The Grand Rapids Fire Department is actively seeking to hire between 14 and 20 new firefighters as part of its ongoing recruitment efforts. Applications are currently being accepted with a deadline set for 11:59 p.m. on June 1. The upcoming recruitment drive is designed to fill anticipated vacancies arising from retirements, ensuring that the department can maintain effective emergency services for the community.
The starting salary for new firefighters in Grand Rapids is $52,763 per year, supplemented by additional benefits. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly, as the next Fire Academy is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2026. This training program is essential for all incoming recruits, providing them with the necessary skills to handle general duty work in emergency situations, which includes firefighting, emergency medical response, and fire prevention tactics.
To be eligible for the firefighter positions, candidates must meet several requirements. Applicants need to be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, a valid driver’s license is required, along with a vision standard of at least 20/30 corrected or 20/100 uncorrected. Other disqualifying factors include felony convictions, and some misdemeanor offenses may prevent candidates from obtaining emergency medical services licensing. Moreover, applicants must possess a valid Michigan EMT license or higher.
Once an applicant successfully completes all necessary testing phases, they will be placed on an eligible-for-hire list that remains valid for a minimum of six months. This provides a structured pathway for the Grand Rapids Fire Department to quickly fill vacancies as they arise.
The recruitment initiative comes alongside the construction of two new fire stations in the city, with the aim of enhancing the efficiency and reach of the Fire Department. The Kendall Fire Station, located at 4044 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, is expected to be completed and ready for move-in by this fall. The Division Fire Station, situated at 1823 S. Division Ave., is projected to be finished by fall 2026. These new facilities will support the department’s mission to provide quick and effective emergency response across Grand Rapids.
Residents, particularly those interested in pursuing a career in firefighting, are encouraged to visit joingrfire.com for more details about the application process. For any specific questions regarding the recruitment drive, potential candidates may reach out via email at jobs@grand-rapids.mi.us.
The addition of new firefighters is crucial for maintaining public safety, especially as the city continues to grow and develop. As the Grand Rapids Fire Department prepares for future retirements and the opening of new facilities, it stands committed to ensuring a workforce equipped with highly trained personnel ready to serve the community.
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