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COURAGE.  It takes a special person to answer that call.  A person willing to go into a burning house to find five children.  Or dive into a rain-swollen river to rescue a driver trapped inside his car.  Or perform advanced life support for a person in cardiac arrest.  The needs are as varied as the men and women no respond to them.  But one element remains constant: a dedication to public service and the protection of both life and property.

THE FIRE SERVICE can be as dynamic as you choose.  Emergency Medical Services, Fire Prevention, Hazardous Materials Team, Communications, and Training are just some of the many exciting career opportunities available through the Shreveport Fire Department.

EVERY RECRUIT, of course, is first trained in firefighting.  A rigorous 16-week training course at the Shreveport Fire Academy prepares each new recruit for any situation he or she may encounter on the job.  Hours of classroom instruction and hands-on experience combine to teach safety, teamwork, first aid and a practical knowledge of firefighting.  The time spent at the Academy also serves instill a sense of professional pride as well as foster an attitude of compassion for fellow human beings.  Both of these are key ingredients to long-term success with the department. 

UPON GRADUATION from the Fire Training Academy, each rookie firefighter joins a regular shift at several designated "training" stations throughout the city.  Each rookie remains in that training station or is rotated to other training stations until he or she is certified as a Shreveport firefighter. This process usually lasts one year.  During the year, seminars or special courses supplement the skills learned in Basic Training. In addition, continuing education courses are available throughout one's entire career.

A CAREER IN THE FIRE SERVICE is like no other.  Shifts last 24 hours, alternating with 24 hours off-duty for five consecutive tours of duty. This is followed by six consecutive days off-duty.  A work week is 56 hours.

A firefighter receives full retirement benefits after thirty years of service, as early as age 50. Individuals are vested in the department's retirement system after twelve years of service.

SEE JOB DESCRIPTIONS on some of our Civil Service positions: 
Fire Communications Officer I,  Fire Communications Officer II | Firefighter | and Chief of Communications.

For more information or position openings, visit our Fire & Police Civil Service Board Page and Employment Opportunities Page.

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