The Fire Service has many different disciplines, from fire prevention and fire investigation to fire suppression. Within Fire Suppression there are municipal, state, and federal fire departments.

Minimum qualifications to become a firefighter

• 18 years old
• High school diploma
• Valid California driver’s license
• Valid California paramedic license and EMT-P accreditation with County of San Diego EMS.
• California Fire Academy Certification or completion of accredited academy.
• U.S. citizen or in process of obtaining citizenship

Education and skills

• Class A or B drivers license
• Associates degree AA/AS
• Bachelor degree BA/BS
• Fire science certifications
• Bilingual
• Prior paramedic experience

Helpful links

• Current job opportunities
• Paramedic Firefighter class specification - entry
• Firefighter class specification - lateral
• Palomar College Fire Technology program
  • Palomar College Educational Map for Firefighter Paramedic