While Delaware is a very small state by American standards, I have been asked a few times how to become a firefighter in Delaware.
It is a predominantly coastal and agricultural area with a
few major cities.
Therefore, it shouldn’t have as many calls for large fire
departments and massive emergencies as some other states. But, that doesn’t
mean that firefighters here have it easy. While there are many volunteer
firefighters on hand to help their communities, they still have some career
departments.
So, what does it take to join the profession in Delaware and
what are the basic requirements?
Table of Contents
How To Become A
Firefighter In Delaware
- 18 years
of age (sometimes 19) - Proof of
residency - High
school diploma or GED - Valid
driver’s license
Firefighting in
Delaware
The small size and population of Delaware mean that the districts
and major cities don’t have as many opportunities and positions for career firefighter
positions as other states.
Another interesting difference here is that Dover is the
only state capital where the fire service is 100% voluntary.
So, what does this mean for entry requirements here and
across the rest of the state?
Below I will talk a little more about the difference between
volunteer and career roles in Delaware, with Dover and Wilmington as prime
examples.
I will also talk about some of the best firefighter academies in the state.
Basic requirements to
become a firefighter in Delaware
The requirements will vary depending on your chosen location
and position. There aren’t that many requirements for those that want to become
a volunteer firefighter here aside from the standard age, residency and fitness
criteria.
Those that want to go on to become a paid career firefighter
have a few more standards to meet with their training and experience.
One thing that you will notice on the recruitment pages of
some of the major departments is a relaxed and welcoming feel.
They don’t seem overly concerned with the experience of
recruits because of the training at the station.
Everyone will be trained to that department’s specifications
as long as they are a fit for the department and willing to put in the work.
A notable difference in Wilmington compared to some other
paid stations is the requirement to be 19 at the time of application rather
than 18.
Otherwise, most people that have the right residency and age
qualifications can start the application process.
Career Firefighting
in Delaware
From there, the screening process can get a little more
intensive and challenging.
Everyone is welcome to apply because of the demand for
voluntary firefighters. But, you do have to successfully pass a lot of steps
before they will hire you on.
One side of this is the range of physical requirements for Delaware firefighters. There is the usual strength and fitness test (similar to the CPAT) to get applicants started.
This tests a candidate’s ability to physically handle the equipment and to keep up with other crew members. There are also medical exams, drug tests and stress tests being done across Delaware.
Then there are the different written tests and firefighter interviews to see how well candidates express themselves and their skills.
Officers will want to carry out interviews (including the chief’s interview) to see if you have the character and mentality for the role.
In some departments, this could consist of both an audio
interview and a panel interview.
The latter allows for more than one opinion on your suitability for the job. In addition to this, there is a mechanical aptitude test and a vocabulary exam.
Finally, all candidates need to go through screening for
past behavior and criminal activity.
The department will check criminal records for any felonies or misdemeanors, especially those related to traffic incidents, substance use and DUIs.
Some may carry out a specific driving history check to ensure that your license is completely clean. Then there are the reference checks for your professional and personal history.
This may all sound like a lot. But, the more you comply and engage with the process, the better your chances.
Fire Academies In Delaware
If you want to enroll in training to become a firefighter in Delaware, then Dover is your best bet.
This is where the two best facilities are located.
The Delaware State Fire School does have facilities in each of the three counties in Delaware. But, the main headquarters are in Dover.
This facility is the ideal place for anyone in need of fire training. The courses are varied and include everything from basic training and Firefighter I to more specialist skill courses and Firefighter II.
If you are serious about a long career in the fire service
at a more senior level, you may end up attending a lot of classes here.
Thankfully, the facilities offer extensive training with
great success rates.
Those that want to get started with a comprehensive idea of
the basics should start with the Basic Firefighting Skills course.
Then there is the Firefighter I course for those looking to
go into a career role. The former isn’t essential for volunteers. But, it does
showcase a willingness to learn and prior knowledge that may allow you to stand
out in the application process.
Basic Firefighting Skills in Delaware
This 36-hour course takes applicants through some of the
basics needed to succeed in the profession.
There is a lot of training based around the apparatus and
equipment used on engines and at emergency scenes. This includes the ability to
use extinguishers, ground ladders, breathing apparatus, hoses and more.
There are also courses on some of the health and safety
elements to the role and creating a safe, secure scene with crew members.
This includes modules on how to behave on the scene and
contaminated atmospheres. Students will also learn about strategic approaches
to situations, forced entry and more.
The aim is that this will act as a comprehensive starting
point for those that want to progress within the service. Those that pass the
course can continue their training and move on to other courses at the training
facility.
The next step after succeeding with the basic course is to
complete the Firefighter 1 course.
This training program provides applicants with the knowledge
needed to work within a fire station and handle incidents with greater ease.
Almost all career departments in Delaware will expect their
recruits to go through Firefighter I level training. The subjects above are
again covered here but in more detail.
There are also modules on communications, incident
management, leadership skills and other operational requirements.
The course will also offer guidance on working with the
public and acting as a professional team.
Here, there are mandatory sessions online and a final exam
at the end. Those that pass the exam with 70 or more should get their
Firefighter 1 certification.
https://statefireschool.delaware.gov/descriptions/
Major Fire Departments in Delaware.
Those that want to pursue a long service in the Delaware fire department may turn to one of the largest cities rather than their local voluntary force. The opportunities and requirements are different in Dover and Wilmington.
How To Become A Dover,
DE Firefighter
- 18 years
of age - Proof of
residency - High
school diploma or GED - Valid
driver’s license
As I mentioned above, Dover is the only capital city in the
US that has a purely voluntary service manning its stations. While unusual,
this doesn’t undermine the quality of the service.
There are dedicated fire personnel with experience and
training working their way through the ranks. It is a great place to learn and
serve communities in different situations.
Recruits will handle many emergencies out of the two
stations while also working on community outreach projects.
How To Become A Wilmington,
DE Firefighter
- 19 years
of age - Proof of
residency - High
school diploma or GED - Valid
driver’s license
Wilmington is a bigger city compared to Dover with a larger
department.
There are 70,600 people in Wilmington over 43.88km so the
departments need a lot of highly trained crew members across its stations.
The basic requirements here are pretty simple. Applicants
must prove their age and residency to apply – 19 years old rather than 18 – and
have appropriate educational certificates.
This means a GED or high school diploma. The department
stresses that all applicants are “encouraged to study, prepare and practice”
They are also on the lookout for those that have a strong
work ethic and motivation to work with the team.
https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/departments/fire-department
Job Prospects For
Firefighters In Delaware
The good news for new applicants is that there are so few
requirements to get your foot in the door to become a firefighter in Delaware.
You can start off with a volunteer position in a town, or
maybe even Dover, and work your way up.
The bad news is that there is plenty of competition for paid
jobs in Wilmington because there are so few career positions in the state.
They claim that the Wilmington Fire Department gets as many
as 300 to 400 applications during each recruitment period.
Those that pass all
the screenings in Wilmington can expect a starting salary of $35,691.84.
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes332011.htm#st
Becoming a firefighter in Delaware isn’t as difficult as in
other states as long as you are determined.
The process is less about what you know coming into the
profession and more about your willingness to learn and contribute to the
community.
The Dover Fire Department is a unique place to work that
offers a great training program for newcomers. The Wilmington Fire Department
is a little more challenging and focused on the career roles.
Wherever you go in this small state, you will make a big
difference.
How Much Do Firefighters Make in Delaware?
Curious about firefighter pay in Delaware? We’ve put together a detailed salary guide with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Check out our complete breakdown: Firefighter Salary in Delaware.
Free Firefighter Career Tools
Check out our free career tools to help you get hired:
- Firefighter Salary Calculator — See what firefighters earn in your state
- Free Resume Review Guide — Download our free firefighter resume review checklist
- Eligibility Checker — Find out if you meet the requirements to become a firefighter
- Interview Prep Quiz — Test your firefighter interview knowledge with our free quiz
- CPAT Training Timer — Practice all 8 CPAT events with our free countdown timer
Before you start your journey, take our free Firefighter Eligibility Checker to see if you meet the basic requirements.
FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
The weekly newsletter for firefighter candidates
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
