Providence - Lateral Firefighter/EMT

Providence Fire Department

Lateral Firefighter/EMT

Qualifications:

• Currently employed as a full-time paid professional firefighter.
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Rhode Island or National Registered EMT-Basic (must be a RI EMT-Basic to be appointed as a firefighter).
• Rhode Island, ProBoard, or IFSAC Firefighter 1001 levels 1 and 2 certification.
• Hazardous Materials Operations certification.
• Must pass RIAFC Physical Performance Assessment (valid CPAT or RIAFC PPA within past twelve months will be accepted).
• Must pass extensive background investigation (including but not limited to: psychological exam, criminal background investigation, driver's record, medical examination and drug testing).

Training Requirements:

• Successfully complete an eight (8) week, 40 hour per week, Monday through Friday, Providence Fire Department Training Academy.
• Must obtain Rhode Island EMT-Basic prior to appointment and EMT-Cardiac or Paramedic no later than thirty-six (36) months after appointment.

Salary & Benefits during training:

• $20 per hour, forty hours per week, 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday.
• Single or Family Healthcare

Salary & Benefits after appointment as a Firefighter/EMT:

• Forty-two hours per week, rotating workweek (24 hours on-duty, 48 hours off-duty, 24 hours on-duty, 96 hour off-duty).
• $994.38 per week. (additional stipends: $10/week for HAZMAT Ops., $25/week for EMT-Basic or $75/week for EMT-Cardiac/Paramedic).
• Twelve (12) paid holidays (8.5 hours additional pay for 12 holidays per year).
• $800 annual payment for uniform maintenance.
• Family Healthcare.
• Defined benefit pension.
• All in yearly salary without overtime once appointed $58,880.2 (includes base pay, EMT-C or P stipend and holiday pay.) $94,080 all in yearly salary without overtime after 5 years of service (includes base pay, EMT-C or P stipend, holiday pay, longevity supplement, and clothing maintenance allowance) Pay rate is assumed as July 1, 2025 and does not include any future increases.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to apply for the position of lateral firefighter?

Requirements are specified in the current job posting. Firefighting experience must include current employment as a full-time paid professional firefighter.

When will the academy start?

The 57th academy is scheduled to begin in November of 2025 with additional academies anticipated annually.

What if my Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs' Physical Performance Assessment certificate has expired?

We will sponsor and offer a scheduled assessment. Current, within one (1) year, PPA or CPAT certificates will be accepted.

Do I need my Rhode Island EMT at the time of application?

No, you must obtain your Rhode Island EMT-Basic prior to graduating the academy and to be appointed as a firefighter. It is also required that you obtain a Rhode Island EMT-Cardiac or Paramedic within three (3) years of appointment as a firefighter.

What will be included in the training academy curriculum?

The training academy will consist of, but not limited to, Providence Fire Department specific operations such as Standard Operating Procedures, Rules and Regulations, Training Bulletins, and the Incident Command System. Physical training, hands-on exercises, and firefighting and emergency medical service coursework.

What is the salary range for a Providence firefighter?

As of July 1, 2025 a newly appointed firefighter will receive a weekly base salary of $994.38, after completion of three (3) years with the department, and EMT-Cardiac certification, the weekly base salary increases to $1,111.36 (as of July 1, 2025), and after completion of five (5) years with the department the weekly base salary increases to $1,518.02 (as of July 1, 2025). Additional weekly stipends for Hazardous Materials Operations ($10), EMT-Basic ($25) or EMT-Cardiac/Paramedic ($75), and Assistant Deputy State Fire Marshal ($25).

Firefighters assigned to the emergency medical services division as a Rescue Technician will receive a weekly base salary of $1,593.93, not including additional stipends.

Further details as to pay and benefits such as healthcare, retirement, longevity, etc. can be found in the collective bargaining agreement between the city of Providence and IAFF local 0799. CBA July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2022 and addendum; July 1 2022 - June 30, 2027.

Are there additional pay incentives or benefits based on years of fire service experience?

No, all newly appointed firefighters to the Providence Fire Department receive the same pay and benefits as detailed in the collective bargaining agreement between the city of Providence and IAFF local 0799.