Firefighter Recruitment

To view any job descriptions for a position within the Thornton fire department, please visit the City of Thornton Human Resources Jobs page and search for the position you are interested in.  The job description will give the essential functions and qualifications for each position along with any necessary education, licensing and/or experience.

Some positions and links to their job descriptions are listed below:

• Firefighter IV/III/II/I
• Firefighter/Paramedic
• Firefighter/Engineer
• Fire Lieutenant

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED
• Current EMT/Basic or higher medical provider certification may or may not be required dependent on requirements at the time of posting, Paramedic Certification is preferred
• Current CPAT Certification is required at the time of application or by date stated in the job posting
• Valid Drivers License with a safe record
• Pass entry level oral board examination
• Successful completion of the requirements for Colorado State Firefighter I or higher certification preferred, but required within one year of entry-on-duty

Disqualifications

• Use of marijuana in past year
• Use of any illegal drugs in the past 5 years
• Any drug and/or alcohol convictions in the past 3 years
• Loss of driver license for any reason in the past 3 years
• Reckless driving in the past 3 years

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is the standard assessment for measuring an individual's ability to handle the physical demands of being a firefighter and a minimum requirement for employment with the Thornton Fire Department. The CPAT is a timed test that measures how candidates handle eight separate physical tasks or functions, designed to mirror tasks that firefighters would have to do on the job.

During the test, candidates are required to complete 8 separate tasks in a period of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The tasks are as follows:

• Stair Climb (climbing stairs while carrying an additional 25 pound simulated hose pack)
• Hose Drag (stretching uncharged hose lines, advancing lines)
• Equipment Carry (removing and carrying equipment from fire apparatus to fire ground)
• Ladder Raise and Extension (placing a ground ladder at the fire scene and extending the ladder to the roof or a window)
• Forcible Entry (penetrating a locked door, breaching a wall)
• Search (crawling through dark unpredictable areas to search for victims)
• Rescue Drag (removing a victim or partner from a burning building)
• Ceiling Breach and Pull (locating a fire and checking for fire extension)

During the test, candidates are required wear a helmet, gloves and a 50 pound weighted vest. This is designed to simulate the weight of a firefighter's personal protective equipment. For the stair climb, candidates are required to carry an additional 25 pounds of weight, which simulates the carrying of a hose pack into a high rise fire. Candidates are accompanied by a test proctor, who calls out directions for the test events and scores the candidate's success. Each event of the CPAT must be completed as directed. If a candidate fails any component of the test or does not complete the test within the 10 minute and 20 second time limit, they will fail the entire test.

CPAT Manual

View the National Testing Network's list of CPAT Organizations to find a testing location near you. Testing locations in Colorado include:

• Denver Fire Department
• Aims Community College
• Pikes Peak State College

CPAT Orientation Video

Aside from the CPAT (which must be completed before applying), there are no additional physical or written exams. The hiring process focuses heavily on interviews and evaluations.

Thornton Fire Department operates on a 48/96 schedule, meaning our firefighters work 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off. Each shift begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 7:00 a.m. two days later.

• Application and document review
• Interview (panel format)
• Psychological evaluation
• Medical physical
• Background check 
• Conditional offers are made 

The EMT/Fire Academy is approximately six months long. During that time, recruits receive training in firefighting, EMT, hazmat response, and driver/operator fundamentals. After completing the academy, recruits are assigned to a station and shift to begin their probationary period.

Recruits who complete the academy earn the following certifications:

• Firefighter I & II (NFPA 1001)
• Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations
• Driver/Operator – Utility
• EMT-Basic (National Registry and/or State of Colorado)

Yes. Ride-alongs for potential applicants can be scheduled prior to that year's application opening. They’re a great way to learn more about the department and the firefighter role. Reach out early, as space may be limited closer to the hiring window.

Yes. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The academy will provide the training and certifications you need to succeed as a firefighter.

Yes, the academy is paid, and recruits are full-time employees with benefits starting on their hire date.

No. There is no maximum age to apply, but you must be at least 18 years old by the application deadline.