General- What is the process to become a Grand Rapids firefighter?
We are an Equal Opportunity employer, which means we give a civil service test to candidates. We only accept applications when we have vacancies to fill. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, have a High School diploma or a GED and correctable 20/20 vision. Our process begins with the civil service test; a qualifying score moves you on to the physical agility test. (A timed test of evolutions you must complete in 10 minutes.) Passing that test moves you on to the oral interview, background checks and physical entrance exam. You would then be offered employment. If you accept you would be an employee of the GRFD with full benefits and salary (starting wage $36,604). You would begin your career at our Fire Academy, a 40 hr. per week, 16 week training. Once you have completed recruit training you will be assigned to a 24 hr. shift. We are frequently asked if a candidate has their Firefighter I and II etc. if they are still required to complete the Fire Academy. At this time the answer is yes. Recruitment / Career Opportunities - How do I get a fire truck to come to my event (school, church, otherwise)?
Please contact Fire Administration by email or call 456-3028. You will need the following: - Name of the event
- Date, time, location
- Contact name and phone number
- Approximate number of people expected
Please leave a message if no one is available to take your call and someone will contact you. - Can I get my blood pressure taken at the firehouse?
If personnel are at their fire station, they should be able to give you an accurate blood pressure reading. We recommend that you stop in during the normal "bag and tag" sales hours, unless you are experiencing some type of medical symptoms and we recommend that you call 911. - Do you fill swimming pools?
We do not fill swimming pools. You can get a permit and rent equipment form the Water Department Field Operations office by calling 456-4390 or visiting their office at 1900 Oak Industrial Drive between 7:30 - 3:00 Monday thru Friday. - Who do I call if I see a Fire Hydrant that needs repair (leaking, caps missing, other)?
Please contact the Water Department Field Operations office at 456-4390. - Do you install car seat, or do car seat inspections?
- Who do I contact if I have a Fire Department billing question?
- How do I get a copy of a Fire Report?
Please contact Fire Administration at 456-3900 and you will be directed to the appropriate person or visit us at 38 LaGrave Ave SE between 8:00 - 5:00 Monday thru Friday. There is a $3.00 cost for the report. - Do you sell bags and tags? Where and when can I purchase them?
City Refuse Bags and Tags are available for purchase at all Fire Stations. | Monday - Friday | 8:30 - 11:30, 12:30 - 5:00 | | Saturday | 8:30 - 11:00, 12:30 - 4:30 | | No Holidays | |
The cost of refuse bags and tags depends on its use. The following table is a price list.
| Type of Refuse Bag | Price | | Refuse Bags (blue) | $15.00 per box of 10 | | Refuse Tags (blue) | $1.50 per tag | | Yard Waste Bags (brown) | $7.50 per bundle of 5 | | Yard Waste Tag (pink) | $1.50 per tag | | Yard Waste Cart Tag | $5.25per tag | | Appliance Sticker (yellow) | $12.50 per tag | | Bulk Item Sticker (orange) | $7.50 per tag |
You can read more about Bags and Tags on the Streets and Sanitation Website. - How do I get a bicycle registration? Is there a cost?
Bike licenses are available at all Grand Rapids Fire Stations. You will need to bring your bike and fill out a short form to receive a license. Bike licenses are a free service of the City of Grand Rapids.
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