City of Riverside Fire Department
The City of Riverside Fire Department (RFD) is an ISO Class 1, Internationally Accredited fire department serving over 328,000 residents and a student population of approximately 60,000. Our 210 career firefighters respond to over 45,000 calls annually, deployed out of 14 fire stations strategically spanning Riverside’s 81.4 square miles. We take great pride in our 125-year history of exceptional professionalism, excellent customer service and commitment to innovation. Highly motivated, public service-minded individuals are strongly encouraged to apply to become part of the RFD family. Contact recruitment for more information.
Career Opportunities
- Competitive compensation package
- CAL PERS Retirement
- Generous benefits package
- Variety of additional skill Compensation / Special program stipends
- Highly competitive
- Family atmosphere
- The distinction of being able to claim the title of “Firefighter” with the City of Riverside Fire Department
- Excellent physical conditioning and training throughout your career
Department Statistics
- 14 Stations
- 2 Battalions
- State of the Art Training Facility
- Paramedic Program
- 14 Engines
- 4 Aerial Ladder Trucks
- 4 ATV's
- 1 Patrol
- 2 Rescue Squads
- 1 Rescue Ambulance
- 2 Brush Engines
- 2 Water Tenders
- 1 Haz Mat Unit
- 1 Breathing Support
- 1 Heavy Rescue
- 1 Water Rescue
- 4 Cal-OES Engines
- Five Divisions
Firefighter Requirements
- Possession of high school diploma OR equivalent
- Possession of a valid California Department of Motor Vehicles Class C License
- Possession of a valid American Heart Association Health Care Provider OR Red Cross BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals Certification
- Possession of a Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (CPAT) certificate valid within six months of application
- Completion of a California State Fire Marshal accredited Fire Academy.
EMTs: Must have one of the following
- A valid California EMT
- A valid California or out-of-state approved EMT course completion and successful NREMT testing completion within the past two years
- A valid out of state EMT license and successful NREMT testing completion within the past two years
Paramedics: Must have one of the following
- A valid California Paramedic license
- A valid California or out-of-state approved Paramedic course completion and successful NREMT testing completion within the past two years
- A valid out of state Paramedic license and successful NREMT testing completion within the past two years
Become a Firefighter
Interested in becoming a firefighter? See below to get started. Or view the printable PDF.
CPAT
Cost $150 for 2 orientations & timed test or $25/Practice Test
Register online at FCTCOnline.org
Become an EMT & consider Paramedic
Paramedics are in HIGH DEMAND
| Link 2 Life | Link2Life.org | (949) 643-2048 |
| OCEMT | OCEMT.edu | (949) 291-3887 |
| CIEMT | CIEMT.com | (562) 989-1520 |
| EMSTA College | EMSTACollege.com | (619) 593-6782 |
Enroll in Community College
Meet with an academic advisor to plan your educational goals
Obtain Firefighter 1 Academy Certificate - Consider A.A. Degree
| Colleges with FF1 Academy and EMT Programs | Address | City, State, Zip |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside Community College | 4800 Magnolia Avenue | Riverside, CA 92506 |
| Crafton Hills College | 11711 San Canyon Drive | Yucaipa, CA 92399 |
| Mt. San Antonio College | 1100 North Grand Avenue | Walnut, CA 91789 |
| Santa Ana College | 1530 W. 17th Street | Santa Ana, CA 92706 |
| Rio Hondo College | 3600 Workman Mill Road | Whittier, CA 90601 |
| El Camino College | 16007 Crenshaw Boulevard | Torrance, CA 90506 |
| Palomar College | 1140 West Mission Road | San Marcos, CA 92069 |
| Miramar College | 10440 Black Mountain Road | San Diego, CA 92126 |
| Victor Valley College | 18422 Bear Valley Road | Victorville, CA 92395 |
Contact Us
E-mail [email protected] for questions/comments regarding joining RFD.

