Lateral Firefighter with Paramedic Certification

Now hiring for our 2026 Lateral Fire Academy!

PLEASE NOTE THIS POSITION REQUIRES A CURRENT STATE OF COLORADO OR NATIONAL REGISTRY PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATION (by April 24th deadline) AND CPAT CERTIFICATION (by June 2nd deadline); AT LEAST 1 YEAR OF CAREER FIRE EXPERIENCE

All successful candidates will start as a Firefighter Recruit with a pay rate of $76,545 annually, and on a 40-hour per week schedule. Once the 6-8 week Academy has been completed, they will be reclassified to the appropriate level and pay based on previous career Fire experience:

• Firefighter IV - $80,825.60
• Firefighter III - $92,388.80
• Firefighter II - $103,922.80

After clearance by the City's designated medical provider:

• Firefighter IV-Paramedic Cert - $92,388.80
• Firefighter III-Paramedic Cert - $103,922.80
• Firefighter II-Paramedic Cert - $115,456.80

2027 increases will be 4% per the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

• 2% Longevity pay for every 5 years of service with the City of Thornton Fire Department
• FPPA match
• Retiree Health Insurance

In-person assessments & interviews will be held June 1st - June 5th. Start date will be mid-July.