What do you know about the organizational structure of the (Insert Name of Dept. you're interviewing for) Fire Department?
What do you know about the city that we respond to emergencies in?
Why do you want to be a firefighter in this department?
What attracted you to our department?
What is different about our department from other departments you've applied to?
What do you know about the community we serve?
What type of calls do you believe our department runs the most of?
When a fire department asks questions about what you know about them, they are evaluating more than just your ability to recite facts. They want to determine three key things:
Genuine Interest in the Department – Are you truly motivated to work for this department, or are you just attending the interview because you were invited? A strong candidate demonstrates enthusiasm and a clear understanding of why they want to be part of this specific team.
Level of Commitment – How much effort have you put into learning about the department? If you are genuinely interested in the position, you will have researched its mission, values, and operations. The ability to articulate this information shows that you take the opportunity seriously.
Preparedness and Initiative – The fire service values individuals who are proactive, detail-oriented, and prepared. Coming into the interview with well-researched knowledge about the department shows that you take initiative, pay attention to detail, and have the drive to succeed.
How to Answer Effectively:
Do Your Research – Study the department's website, social media, recent news articles, community involvement, and if possible, speak to people that already work there or work with the department.
Go Beyond Basic Facts – Instead of just repeating the department's mission statement, connect it to your own values and experiences.
Show Enthusiasm – Express why you are drawn to this department specifically and how you see yourself contributing to its success.
By demonstrating knowledge, preparation, and a strong desire to be part of the department, you'll set yourself apart as a serious and motivated candidate.
One of the biggest mistakes a candidate can make is failing to research the department. If you cannot explain what makes the department unique—beyond the fact that you are interviewing there—you risk coming across as unprepared and uninterested. Worse yet, some candidates attempt to guess or fabricate details about the department, which is a major red flag for interviewers. Providing false information or admitting outright that you know nothing about the department is an automatic disqualifier. If you couldn't take the time to read the department's website—even while waiting for your interview—how can the panel trust that you will be prepared for the academy, probation tests, or the challenges of the job?
Another common pitfall is simply reciting facts from the department's website without demonstrating why that information is meaningful to you. A strong candidate doesn't just list statistics or repeat the mission statement—they connect those details to their own values, experiences, and career goals. Interviewers often spend hours listening to candidates who proudly rattle off generic facts from the department's "About Us" page. What sets great candidates apart is their ability to take that information and explain why it makes them excited to join the department and how they will contribute as a firefighter.
To prepare effectively:
Go Beyond the Basics – Research at least 10 facts about the department and identify 5 specific aspects that make it appealing to you.
Make It Personal – Find ways to connect your skills, experiences, and career goals to what the department values.
Customize for Each Department – If you're applying to multiple departments, avoid giving the same generic answer. Adapt your response to highlight what makes each department unique and why it's the right fit for you.
This level of preparation demonstrates not only that you have done your homework, but also that you understand the department's culture and are ready to integrate into its team. By making your response personal and well-researched, you will stand out as a candidate who is both motivated and prepared to excel as a firefighter.
I know that this department operates nine stations, divided into two daily battalions across three shifts. You have two ladder trucks, one of which serves as a jump rig for heavy rescue, along with nine fire engines and five staffed ambulances. The department responds to approximately 20,000 calls annually and is actively involved in hazardous materials response, wildland firefighting, and technical rescue, while also providing mutual aid to neighboring departments. With a fire chief who has led the department for about 10 years, this department has built a strong reputation and is well-respected by the community.
Beyond the structure and operations, what stands out to me most about this department is its commitment to continuous learning and professional development. That culture of growth is something I value deeply, and it's one of the main reasons I'm excited about the opportunity to be part of this team. I know this department is known for its progressive EMS approach and for pushing protocols forward at the state level. As an EMT, I'm eager to not only apply what I've learned but also to grow within such a high-level system that is setting standards for EMS care.
Additionally, I'm drawn to the many opportunities for career growth and specialization within this department. Whether it's technical rescue, wildland, or hazmat, I appreciate that firefighters here have avenues to develop their skills and take on new challenges. I've always sought out opportunities to learn and expand my capabilities—for example, while earning my EMT certification, I also took a community college Driver Operator class purely out of interest and a desire to deepen my understanding of fire operations. That same curiosity and drive will make me a strong entry-level firefighter, as I'll be committed to mastering the fundamentals while also seeking ways to contribute to the department's success.
I'm confident that my work ethic, passion for learning, and dedication to both EMS and firefighting make me a strong fit for this department, and I'm eager to be part of a team that shares those values.