Join CHFD

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Have, or get before appointment, an unrestricted Texas driver's license (corrective lenses are OK).
• Have reliable transportation.
• Be eligible for certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Have an honorable discharge, if you served in the military.
• Have a satisfactory employment record, if you have worked before.
• Not use illegal drugs, and not use alcohol in a way that affects your ability to do the job safely.
• Read, write, and speak well enough to communicate clearly.
• Pass a background investigation by the Cockrell Hill Fire Marshal's Office.
• Meet the vision standard: 20/40 in one eye and 20/100 in the other, correctable to 20/20 and 20/40. This is checked during the medical evaluation after selection.

Disqualifying factors

Any of the following will disqualify you. This list does not cover everything. Honesty matters more than a clean record: most past mistakes do not automatically disqualify you, but leaving something out usually does.

Serving with CHFD requires dedication. We invest heavily in you, and in return we expect a commitment to the department and the citizens we serve.

• 24 hours a month

  Active members serve at least 24 hours per month to stay in good standing. Duty shifts, emergency responses, required training, and authorized details count. Missing your hours two months in a row without approval is treated as a resignation.

• Training meetings

  We train together. Members attend at least 80 percent of our regularly scheduled training meetings.

• Two-year training agreement

  If the department pays for a fire academy, EMT, or paramedic course, you agree to serve two years after you are certified, or repay the unforgiven cost. Training agreements are signed before any sponsored training begins.

• Professional certification

  We sponsor eligible members through fire and EMS academies to earn TCFP and Texas DSHS certifications. Sponsorship is set out in a training agreement signed before any training begins.

• Real-world experience

  Gain valuable operational experience responding to real calls in an urban environment.

• Advanced training

  Beyond the basics, we provide training in specialized operations to build our capabilities and help you grow. Ask our Training Coordinator about additional opportunities.

1. 1

   Step 1: Application

   Turn in a complete membership application with the notarized Section 19 and the documents listed in Section 18.

   • Your application is checked for completeness and minimum requirements. Incomplete applications are not processed.
   • A resume may be attached, but it does not replace any part of the application.
2. 2

   Step 2: Background investigation

   The Cockrell Hill Fire Marshal's Office conducts a full background investigation.

   • If you clear it, you will be called to schedule the Physical Ability Assessment and interview.
3. 3

   Step 3: Physician clearance

   Before the assessment, a physician signs the Physician Clearance form (Part 3 of the application) stating you can safely take it.

   • The signed form must be on file with the Fire Marshal's Office before you test.
   • The form asks only whether you are cleared. Do not include any diagnosis or medical records.
4. 4

   Step 4: Physical Ability Assessment

   Complete a job-related physical course within a four-minute time limit.

   • Wear athletic clothing. Sign the PAA Waiver (Part 3 of the application) on test day before you start. It does not need to be notarized.
   • Events, in order: hose throw and walk-out, tire flip, ladder raise, roof ventilation, hose roll lift, charged hose line advance, a second tire flip, and hose roll.

   Watch the assessment video on YouTube (external site) (linked from the membership application)

5. 5

   Step 5: Oral interview and decision

   If you pass the assessment, you interview the same day with a panel of at least one Fire Officer and one firefighter.

   • You get 60 minutes to put equipment away and recover before the interview.
   • The panel sends a recommendation to the Fire Chief within 48 hours. The Fire Chief makes the final decision, and you will be notified within seven days of your interview.
6. 6

   Step 6: Probationary period

   Selected candidates serve 12 months as probationary members.

   • You may be required to complete a medical evaluation and drug screen before you start. If you will be certified or licensed through the department, you will be fingerprinted at IdentoGO at your own cost.
   • Probationary members are assessed along the way and complete a final assessment with their shift supervisor and a Fire Officer.
   • Probationary members ride as observers only and do not take an active part on emergency calls until training is complete.

Type directly into the fillable PDF, or print it and use black ink. Read Part 1 before you start.

1. 01Completed application, with every question answeredWrite N/A if something does not apply. Initial the bottom of every page in Part 2. Incomplete applications are not processed.
2. 02Section 19 signed in front of a notaryDo not sign it until you are with the notary.
3. 03ResumeOptional. It does not replace any section of the application.
4. 04Copy of your driver's license
5. 05Copy of your high school diploma or GED
6. 06College transcriptsIf you listed a college degree.
7. 07Copies of every certification and license listed in Section 6
8. 08DD-214 or other discharge papersIf you served in the military.
9. 09Proof of current auto insurance
10. 10Court disposition for each criminal case and traffic citation you list
11. 11Statement of Explanation (Section 17) for each Yes answer
12. 12Extra copies of any page where you ran out of room

For assessment day: Your physician's signed Physician Clearance form must already be on file. On test day, wear athletic clothing and sign the PAA Waiver before you start. The waiver does not need to be notarized.