Become a Norwich Firefighter

Norwich Fire Department occasionally has openings within its ranks for new firefighter candidates. We strive to employ candidates that exemplify the standards and values of the Norwich Fire Department in serving our community.  A goal of our department is employ candidates whom model our community in culture, values, and diversity.

Minimum Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Valid Drivers Licence

Entry Exam Requirements

Current Application
Written Exam

City of Norwich Physical Ability Test 
AND/OR 
CPAT Card, must be dated no earlier June 1, 2021 for entry in to the Spring 2022 Academy (The CPAT is available at the Connecticut Fire Academy)

Oral Board Panel Examination

Physical Preparedness 

Firefighting is a unique career in which men and women who work in the field are considered “Occupational Athletes” in which physical fitness is of utmost importance. The ability of our members to carry out our mission requires a lifestyle of physical fitness and healthy living.


As a guide to prepare you for a career in firefighting, the Connecticut Fire Academy with CT Fire Chiefs Association and CT Career Fire Chiefs Association has published the Connecticut Firefighters Physical Assessment and Preparation Guide. Though following this document doesn’t guarantee that you will be offered a position as a firefighter, it will give you the guidance to prepare yourself for physical requirements to be ready for the CT Fire Academy.

Recruit Firefighters

Once candidates are selected for a position at the Norwich Fire Department, they attend the Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Firefighter Training Program. This is a comprehensive physical and mental training environment where candidates graduate with the basic skills required for a career in firefighting. The CFA offers a variety of information regarding the Recruit Program which will guide you in what you can expect in a career in the fire service. 

Upon completion of the Fire Academy, probationary firefighters, who are not currently certified Emergency Medical Technicians attend a comprehensive course on basic emergency medicine, based on the NREMT curriculum. Upon graduation, the probationary firefighter will sit for the NREMT exam and must become State of Connecticut Certified as an EMT.

Benefits

  • Salary $55,651.96 - $71,010.46
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • 12 Paid Sick Days
  • Paid Vacation
  • Medical, Dental and Life Insurance
  • Pension Plan - 25 Year Minimum 
  • Military Service Time buy back
  • Uniform Allowance

Reference Documents

**  Please note that videos of Physical Ability Test tasks are for demonstration purposes only.  Actual test tasks and requirements may vary from videos.

  1. CT Firefighter Physical Fitness Preparation Guide
  2. Norwich Firefighter Physical Ability Test Requirements
  3. Task 5 - Hose Roll Raise
  4. Task 4 - Victim Rescue
  5. Task 3 - Forcible Entry
  6. Task 2 - Equipment Carry
  7. Task 1 - Hose Advance