Application period now open for firefighting positions at Columbia-Richland Fire Department

If you have ever considered serving your community and neighbors as a firefighter, now is the time to get your application in with one of the busiest departments in South Carolina.

August begins with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department (CRFD) reopening its application period for new firefighter hires. Both applicants new to firefighting and ones with prior experience are encouraged to apply. Experienced candidates who possess the necessary certifications will be considered for the CRFD Direct Hire Program.

All candidates who apply will be considered for a spot in CRFD’s next recruit school, which will begin in early 2026.

At this time, CRFD’s base starting pay for a firefighter is $43,800. Recruits who meet the necessary qualifications and are hired into our Direct Hire Program will be paid at that rate to start. Non-certified hires must complete training before they will be eligible for the $43,800 annual earning. During training, they will receive pay at a rate of $34,900 annually.

CRFD firefighters are also eligible for incentive pay available to candidates who possess higher-education degrees (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s). All firefighters are also eligible for extra pay through overtime opportunities.

Other benefits of being a firefighter with CRFD include:

• Low cost healthcare for employees and their families under SC PEBA (group health, group dental and group eye insurance plans)
• Paid holidays and vacation time
• Entry in the SC PEBA State Retirement Program
• Opportunities to enroll in the SC Deferred Compensation Program (401K/ 457)
• FREE annual gym membership and access to city gym
• Automatic enrollment and access to benefits with the SC State Firefighter’s Association
• Paid class time
• Flexible spending accounts
• And much more

Prospective applicants can visit colafire.net to access the City of Columbia’s career portal. There they can submit an application as a ‘Certified Firefighter’ or ‘Non-Certified Firefighter.’ The non-certified position is for applicants that are new to the firefighting profession.

All applicants with prior firefighting experience and Firefighter I and II certification through IFSAC and or Pro-Board will be eligible for CRFD’s Direct Hire Program. The program features an abridged training academy that enables hires to reach active service with the department in fewer weeks. Those who qualify can apply with the city as a ‘Certified Firefighter.’

Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact CRFD Recruiting Officer James Bostic by calling 803-545-3331 or sending an email to [email protected]