How can I become a Westfield Firefighter?

The Westfield Fire Department is a full-time career Civil Service Department.  Previously, only those currently on the Civil Service Eligible Candidates List were eligible for employment at WFD.  Recently, the Civil Service Hybrid Model has been adopted which means there are now two paths to becoming a Westfield firefighter.  Regardless of the path you take, all applicants must meet the same minimum requirements including:

  • Between the ages of 19 and 31 years of age 
  • A valid Driver's License
  • Current Massachusetts EMT Certification

Priority will be given to those with a current Paramedic Certification.

Those hired as an EMT will be required to possess Paramedic Level Certification within 28 months of hire.

Path 1:  Civil Service List of Eligible Candidates

One way to obtain employment as a City of Westfield Firefighter is from the Civil Service List of Eligible Candidates.  In order to be on the list, you must take the Civil Service entry level firefighter exam.  This exam is offered yearly in October (applications opening July 1) and consists of a written and physical component.  For more information on Civil Service Testing, visit Civil Service Examination Schedule | Mass.gov and select municipal firefighter from the entry level exam schedule.  

Once completing both components of the examination, your name will be placed on a list, ranked by score among other factors. When the Department has a vacancy, a list of the eligible candidates will be requested from Civil Service. You will be contacted via email from Civil Service to inform  you of the vacancy and instructions on how to apply.

New to our hiring process is the Registry of Entry Level Firefighter Candidates (often called the Civil Service Hybrid Model). This method allows us to interview individuals who are not currently on the Civil Service List of eligible candidates.  Similar to job openings in the private sector, individuals may apply without previously taking the Civil Service Exam.  Individuals being hired under this hybrid model must still meet all the minimum requirements set forth by Civil Service and the Westfield Fire Department.