Posted: Jun 15, 2026
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Firefighter Recruit (Lateral and Entry Level)

City of Thornton - Thornton, CO
Full-time
Salary: $76,545.00 Annually
Application Deadline: Jun 29, 2026
Fire Department
 

Now accepting applications for our 2027 Fire Academy!

No Fire or EMT experience or certifications required, however, this position DOES require a current CPAT Certification by the application deadline (5:00 PM on June 29, 2026).
 
In-person interviews will be held July 27th - August 7th. The anticipated start date is January 4, 2027.
 
All candidates that are hired will start as a Firefighter Recruit with a pay rate of $76,545 annually (this is the 2026 rate, 2027 rate has not yet been approved) and work a 40-hour per week schedule. Once the 11-18 week Academy has been complete, they will be reclassified to the appropriate level and pay based on previous, if any, career Fire experience. 
 
2027 Annual Pay Rates:
Firefighter IV - $84,096.00
Firefighter III - $96,097.20
Firefighter II - $108,098.40

Those with a Paramedic Certification will be reclassified again after clearance by the City's designated medical provider:
 
Firefighter IV-Paramedic Cert - $96,097.20
Firefighter III-Paramedic Cert - $108,098.40
Firefighter II-Paramedic Cert - $120,099.60

The Academy time line for lateral candidates is based on the recruits' previous fire service experience, academy proficiency, and cadre approval. Must have a minimum of one year career experience within the past 12 months of the Academy start date to be considered for an abbreviated academy.
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ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:
2% Longevity pay for every 5 years of service with TFD
FPPA Match
Retiree Health Insurance