The Columbia-Richland Fire Department is continuing to accept and review applications for open firefighting positions. The department’s base starting pay for a firefighter is now $34,174 with incentive pay available to candidates who possess higher ed degrees (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s) or EMT, Rescue and/or HAZMAT certifications. All firefighters are also eligible for extra pay through overtime opportunities!!
As an added advantage, all applicants with prior firefighting experience and Firefighter I and II certification through IFSAC and or Pro-Board will be eligible for CRFD’s Direct Hire Program. The program features an abridged training academy that enables hires to reach active service with the department in fewer weeks.
“Upon competition of their training those who are taken in through the direct hire program will be able to run service calls for the department. Our first group that completed the program was able to do that in just 8 weeks,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “Our ultimate goal through this new hiring initiative is to get qualified men and women into our ranks at a quicker pace. We hope members of the community, regardless of their experience level in the fire service, will consider applying.”
Applicants who do not possess a Firefighter I and II certification are still eligible to take part in the department’s standard recruit training program, which has a longer training academy that usually takes 18 weeks.
Other benefits of being a firefighter with CRFD include:
- Low cost healthcare for employees and their families under SC PEBA (group health, group dental and group eye insurance plans)
- Paid holidays and vacation time
- Entry in the SC PEBA State Retirement Program
- Opportunities to enroll in the SC Deferred Compensation Program (401K/ 457)
- FREE annual gym membership and access to city gym
- Automatic enrollment and access to benefits with the SC State Firefighter’s Association
- Paid class time
- Flexible spending accounts
- And much more!!
|
CRFD Pay Scale (upon completion of recruit schools) |
|
|
Firefighter |
Annual Earnings |
| High School Diploma | $34,174 |
| Associates Degree | $34,686 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $35,711 |
|
Master’s Degree |
$36,480 |
|
CRFD Incentive Pay Scale (upon completion of recruit schools) |
|
|
*Number of Positions is Based on Funding |
|
|
EMT |
$2,600 per year |
| HAZMAT or Rescue Technician | $2,600 per year |
| HAZMAT or Rescue Support |
$1,300 per year |
Prospective applicants with questions are encouraged to contact CRFD Assistant Chief Jamie Helms by calling 803-545-3704 or sending an email to james.helms@columbiasc.gov
File an application by clicking here!
