Denver,CO: How to Become a Firefighter
Known as first responders, firefighters rescue people from fires and burning buildings. They respond to different kind of emergencies, including chemical spills, road accidents, plane or train crash, and natural calamities like earthquakes and floods. Firefighters work in collaboration with law enforcement officers and medical service providers. To become a firefighter in Denver, CO, a minimum of high school diploma or equivalent is required. Candidates must be of at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.
Featured Programs and Schools
Other than the Mile High City, the DFD also extends its fire and rescue services to the nearby City of Sheridan, City of Glendale and the Skyline Fire District. The various divisions of the department include Operations, Technical Services, Fire Prevention, Administration, and Safety & Training.
There is also a dedicated division providing fire and rescue services at the Denver International Airport (DIA), the country’s largest transnational airfield. If you want to become a part of this great unit, continue reading.
div class=”head_title”>
Career Requirements
| Educational Requirements | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Licensure/Certification | Certification and License is mandatory |
| Experience/Training | Firefighter Training Academy |
| Key Skills | Quick Response, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Courage, Publics Safety and Security |
| Annual Mean Salary – Colorado (2021) | $ 68,300 per year |
| Job Outlook – Colorado (2018 – 2028) | 15% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) and O*Net Online
Eligibility Criteria for Joining the Denver Fire Department
Following is the eligibility criteria that will have to be fulfilled by every firefighting aspirant in Denver.
- Must be at least 21 at the time of applying
- Must complete high school. If you don’t have a high school diploma (HSD), then the equivalent General Educational Development (GED) certificate will suffice
- Must be a legal citizen of the United States. This includes individuals born in America as well as naturalized citizens of this country
- Must have a valid Colorado driver’s license before being appointed to the Denver Fire Department. Any other licensing requirements outlined by the department have to be fulfilled as well
- Must be a Colorado resident
- Must not have any kind of criminal record in any state
- Must not be a drug user
- Must qualify the written and physical evaluations of the DFD
How Much Time Will Be Spent In Becoming a Firefighter in Denver?
On average, it takes between eight months to one year to become a firefighter in Denver. After a candidate is successfully screened and passes background check, they are required to enroll in the training academy. A rigorous program, it takes around 12 to 16 weeks of training at the firefighter academy. Anyone applying for wildfire-fighting position needs to clear two additional specific courses.
The Salary of a Firefighter in Denver
From January, 2019 onwards, the starting salary of a firefighter in Denver is $57,323. The department also offers its employees the following benefits.
- Paid vacations and sick leaves.
- Health insurance (both medical and dental).
- Pension plan.
Career Outlook for Firefighters in Denver
O*Net Online forecasts a 15% increase in employment opportunities for firefighters in Colorado between 2018 and 2028. This growth in employment is due to the increasing wildfires in Colorado and need for more firefighters. The corresponding national average for this occupation is 9% between 2020-2030.
You May Also Like
How to Become a Firefighter in Colorado
How to Become a Firefighter in Florida
How to Become a Firefighter in Fort Worth