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Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
50 South Military Trail, Suite 101
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
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Phone: (561) 616-7000
Fax: (561) 616-7080
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Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue receives many inquiries regarding training requirements and career opportunities within the fire service. The following information is intended to answer some of the more commonly asked questions.

How do I get a job in the fire service?
Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and most departments require a person hold current certifications for Firefighter Minimum Standards and Emergency Medical Technician to apply for a job. Individual fire departments have their own additional requirements for applicants.
How can I get the Firefighter Minimum Standards Training?
In Palm Beach County, only Palm Beach County Community College offers the 480 hour Minimum Standards Training. Additionally, all prospective students must pass basic scholastic (TABE TEST) and physical ability tests. A limited access point system has been formulated to ensure processing of all applicants who desire to enter into one of the three EMS/Fire programs. For more information on Minimum Standards classes, call PBC Community College at 5616867277.
Outside of Palm Beach County:
Coral Springs Fire Academy
2801 Coral Springs Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33065
9543461774
website
Indian River Community College
3209 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34981
7724624761
website

 
Where can I get Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic training?
The 17 week EMT and the Paramedic program are offered through Palm Beach County Community College. Call 5618683773 for more information. Additional choices are as follows:
 
Health Career Institute
1926 10th Avenue North, Suite #106
Lake Worth, FL 33461
5615860121
website
FMTI, Inc.
4400 West Sample Road, Suite #134
Coconut Creek, FL 33023
9549796500
8009793718
website
Indian River Community College
3209 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34981
7724624471
website

 
What other training opportunities are available?
Additional training and certifications, which are available locally, can improve your chances for a fire service career. Classes in a variety of subjects include pumper operator, extrication, rope rescue, hazardous materials and confined space rescue, the paramedica training program, a two year Associates in Science Degree in Fire Service or Emergency Medical Services.
How do I apply for a job with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue?
Palm Beach County Employee Relations and Personnel Department, 5616166888, administers our hiring process. Normally, we only accept applications when a position is being advertised. Vacancies are determined by our staffing requirements and budget, and are advertised in the classified ads of our local newspaper(s).
What are the starting salaries for Firefighters?
Statewide, the beginning salary can range from $31,000 up to and above $50,000. The beginning salary at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue is $46,835 for Firefighters/EMT and $53,861 for Firefighter/Paramedic.

Keep in mind that pursuit of a career in the fire service requires long term commitment on the part of the individual.The competition is great, but so are the rewards.Good luck!