Job Description

Posting number: FIRE2026

Department: Fire (24/80)

Job classification: Firefighter/Cadet, FA1

Posting type: Open

Categories: Fire & EMS, EMS, Emergency Management

• For the online Fire application you will need to create an applicant account and have an email address

• Applicants may not share applicant account or email address
• Application will be rejected if incomplete
• IF CLAIMING VETERAN'S PREFERENCE, YOU MUST UPLOAD A COPY OF AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE (FORM DD-214), WITH APPLICATION BY THE CLOSING DATE.
• IF CLAIMING TCFP (TEXAS COMMISSION ON FIRE PROTECTION) STRUCTURAL FIRE FIGHTER CERTIFICATION OR TEXAS DSHS (DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES) EMT-P EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN - PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATION YOU MUST UPLOAD A COPY OF YOUR CERTIFICATION WITH APPLICATION BY THE CLOSING DATE.

Required Prequalifying Run

Qualifications

CITY OF LAREDO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

MINIMUM STANDARDS

FOR ENTRY LEVEL

FIRE DEPARTMENT

The City of Laredo is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to evaluating each candidate on a non-discriminatory basis.
All applicants must meet the following qualifications in order to be eligible for and be placed on an employment eligibility list. Additionally, as a condition of eligibility for the Civil Service Examination, applicants must successfully complete a 1.5-mile run after submitting their application and prior to the Civil Service Written Examination. The run must be completed in under 13 minutes.

A.ENTRANCE EXAM MINIMUM SCORE
Applicants must score a minimum of 70% or higher on the written examination.

B.YOU MUST BE A UNITED STATES CITIZEN.

C.AGE REQUIREMENT

1.Minimum Age An applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the initial application for Civil Service Examination.
2.Maximum Age: An applicant must not be more than thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of the initial application for Civil Service Examination. An applicant who is thirty-six (36) years of age or older may not be certified as eligible for abeginning position in the Fire Department.

D.ACADEMICS
An Applicant is eligible for an entry level position in the Laredo Fire Department only if the applicant has received:

1.A high school diploma from an Accredited High School with a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale; or

2.A high school equivalency certificate and must have completed and at least 12college hours at an accredited college or institution of higher education with minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The college hours shall be from an accredited learning institution of higher education recognized by the State Board of Education in the State in which the college resides and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or a similar regional association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Semester hours presented under this clause do not include Continuing Education Credits (CEU),

Technical Training, or credit for Life Experience or any other training where college credit was given but specific letter or number grades were not assigned.

3. Applicants with studies from an accredited college or university; shall submit transcripts, have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

E. LICENSE REQUIREMENT/RECORD
Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license issued by a U.S. state and have a minimum of one (1) year of licensed driving experience at the time of initial application. Active-duty military members may possess a valid driver’s license issued by their home state at the time of application. All applicants must obtain and present a valid Texas driver’s license prior to employment and shall maintain a valid Texas driver’s license throughout their employment and any subsequent appointments.

Applicant’s driving record must reflect driving habits that are consistent with the safe operation of motor vehicles. Candidates must not have more than one at-fault vehicle accident on their driving record.

1. During the two (2) year period preceding the civil service written examination, the applicant must not have had his/her driver’s license suspended for any reason.

2. During the last 12 months period preceding the civil service written examination, the applicant must not have more than two (2) or more moving violations or one (1) moving violation and one (1) or more at fault vehicle accidents.

3. The applicant must not have any outstanding traffic warrants/capiases filed against them at any time, either before, during, and/or after the civil service written examination.

4. Additionally, they may not have a conviction within the past five years of any of the following:

a. Any alcohol related driving offense
b. Hit and Run, Failure to Stop, Failure to Render Aid, or Failure to Disclose I.D. at the scene of an accident
c. Negligent Manslaughter involving a motor vehicle accident
d. Any non-convictions will be considered by hiring committee on a case-by-case basis with regard to the nature of the circumstances and possible applicant disqualification.

F. CRIMINAL HISTORY STANDARDS
Because the essential functions of the position require the ability to obtain and maintain certification as a firefighter through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and licensure or certification as a Paramedic through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), applicants must be eligible for and capable of obtaining and maintaining all required certifications and licenses.

1. Automatic Disqualification
a. An applicant shall be disqualified from the hiring process if the applicant:
b. Is currently under indictment, information, or pending prosecution for a felony offense;
c. Is currently charged with a Class A or Class B misdemeanor offense for which a final disposition has not been reached;
d. Is prohibited from obtaining or maintaining certification under TCFP Minimum Standards;
e. Is prohibited from obtaining or maintaining EMS certification or licensure under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 773 and applicable DSHS rules;
f. Has been convicted of, placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for, or received deferred disposition for any offense that permanently disqualifies an individual from EMS certification or licensure under DSHS regulations; or
g. Knowingly makes a false statement, omits material information, or misrepresents criminal history during any phase of the hiring process.

2. Criminal History Evaluation
Criminal convictions, deferred adjudications, deferred dispositions, community supervision, probation history, driving record history, and other criminal conduct not otherwise resulting in automatic disqualification may be evaluated to determine an applicant's suitability for employment.

The Department may consider, among other factors:
a. Felony convictions or deferred adjudications;
b. Family violence offenses;
c. Alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses;
d. Crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, theft, forgery, tampering, or falsification;
e. Offenses involving controlled substances;
f. Repeated criminal conduct demonstrating a pattern of disregard for law or public trust; and
g. Any offense that may adversely affect the applicant's ability to perform the duties of a firefighter or paramedic.

3. Individualized Assessment
For offenses that are not subject to automatic disqualification, the Department shall conduct an individualized assessment that may include:

a. The nature and seriousness of the offense;
b. The relationship of the offense to the duties and responsibilities of a firefighter and paramedic;
c. The age of the applicant at the time of the offense;
d. The time elapsed since the offense or completion of sentence;
e. Compliance with all court orders and conditions;
f. Evidence of rehabilitation and good conduct;
g. Employment history, educational achievements, and community involvement; and
h. Any other factor relevant to determining the applicant's fitness for public service.

4. Driving While Intoxicated and Alcohol-Related Offenses
Because firefighters and paramedics are required to operate emergency vehicles and exercise sound judgment in emergency situations, convictions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), intoxication-related offenses, or other alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses may be considered during the individualized assessment process and may result in disqualification based on the totality of circumstances.

5. Continuing Eligibility
Applicants must remain eligible for TCFP certification and DSHS certification or licensure throughout the hiring process, academy training program, and probationary period. Loss of eligibility for any required certification or license may result in removal from the eligibility list, termination from the academy, or separation from employment.

G. DRUG POLICY
1. Criteria

a. An applicant who has used any illegal drug while employed in any Fire Department, government, law enforcement or prosecutorial position, or while employed in a position which carries a high level of responsibility or public trust, will be found unsuitable for employment.
b. An applicant who is discovered to have misrepresented his/her drug history in completing the application will be found unsuitable for employment.
c. An applicant who has sold any illegal drug for profit at any time will be found unsuitable for employment.
d. An applicant who has used any illegal drug, other than marijuana, within the last five (5) years prior to Civil Service application.
e. An applicant must not have used marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids (Delta-9, Delta-8 etc..) within the last twelve (12) months prior to Civil Service application. If so, the candidate will be found unsuitable for employment. During the period(s) of usage, volume and frequency will be considered by the hiring committee as to possible applicant disqualification or continuing with the hiring process.
f. An applicant who has used paint, glue or any other products or chemical, including potpourri, for the purpose of intoxication during the three (3) years preceding the Civil Service written examination will be deemed unsuitable for employment.
g. Applicants who have abused or illegally used prescription medication for the purpose of intoxication or recreation, whether prescribed to them or another person or otherwise obtained, on no more than three (3) independent occasions are deemed unsuitable under this cause are not eligible to reapply for a period of five (5) years from the date of last usage. If the applicant is found to have abused a substance under this sub-section on more than three (3) independent occasions, the applicant will be deemed unsuitable for employment under this cause and remain permanently unsuitable.
h. Violations that occurred when the candidate was a minor, as defined by the State of Texas, will not be counted against them in time specific terms.
i. Violations that occurred when the candidate was a minor, as defined by the State of Texas, will be considered during the background investigation. A decision for disqualification may be made by the hiring committee.

2. To determine whether you qualify under the Laredo Fire Department’s drug policy, please answer the following questions. If you answer “YES” to any of these questions, you should NOT apply for employment with the Laredo Fire Department.
a. Have you used marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids within the last 12 months?
b. Have you used any other illegal drug in the past five (5) years?
c. Have you ever sold, delivered, distributed, or possessed any illegal drug for profit or benefit?
d. Have you ever used an illegal drug (no matter how many times or how long ago) while in a law enforcement or prosecutorial position, or in a position, which carries with it a high level of responsibility or public trust?

H. CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY
Applicants must be of good moral character and shall not habitually associate with those of questionable moral character. Applicants must demonstrate through past and present conduct; maturity, dependability and integrity for a career as a Public Servant.

I. MILITARY
1. Candidates who are now discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States may be Eligible to receive (5) additional points if:

a. Received an Honorable Discharge (General Discharge under Honorable Condition, etc. are not eligible);
b. Submit a DD-214 with Civil Service application
c. DD-214 must be undeleted and must be long form containing sections 23-30 (Type of Separation, Character of Service, Separation Authority, Separation Code, Reentry Code, Narrative Reason for Separation, Dates of Time Lost During This Period and Member Request Copy 4)
d. Made a passing grade on examination

2. Applicants must not have been discharged from military service under less than honorable conditions including, specifically:

a. under other than honorable conditions;
b. bad conduct;
c. dishonorable;
d. Any other characterization of service indicating bad character.

J. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Applicant must have a history of meeting financial obligations. An applicant’s poor or bad credit history, failure to pay just debts, delinquency on outstanding loans, or bankruptcies, or repossessions, and foreclosures will be considered. The type and number of debts, reasons for credit problems, and extenuating circumstances, including cases of identity theft, will be considered on a case-by-case basis due to the number of variables involved.
Applicant obligated to child support payments must be current on all payments.

K. UNLAWFUL AFFILIATIONS
Applicants must not be a member of any organization that advocates the overthrow of our government by force or violence or which advocates or engages in unlawful conduct directed at individuals or groups based upon the individual’s or group’s race, sex, religion, national origin, age, skin color, sexual preference, disability, or conduct otherwise commonly known as “hate crimes”.

L. PRIOR AGENCY SERVICE
Applicants must not have been discharged from any fire department or law enforcement agency, have resigned to avoid suspension or discharge, or have resigned during a disciplinary investigation without a final judgment having been rendered and:

1. Not had a certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Standards and Education previously revoked.

2. An application from a person who has resigned or has been terminated from a fire academy or police academy due to a lack of proficiency in an academic or skilled area will not be eligible to apply within two (2) years of the date of resignation or termination.

3. An applicant who has been terminated from any commissioned or cadet position within a fire department or law enforcement agency for disciplinary reasons, having resigned to avoid suspension or discharge or, having resigned during a disciplinary investigation without a final judgment being rendered, will be permanently disqualified.

M. COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS
1. An applicant failing to cooperate fully with and keep all scheduled appointments will disqualify an applicant from the current hiring process.

2. Failing to supply the needed documents within the specified time limits will disqualify an applicant from the current hiring process.

3. Failing to provide additional personal information as needed or failing to update changes within ten (10) days of the change will disqualify an applicant from the current hiring process.

N. FALSE STATEMENTS/OMISSIONS OF MATERIAL FACT
1. Applicants must be truthful and honest in their response to all inquiries relative to their suitability for employment.

2. Applicants found to have withheld material information, and/or practiced or attempted to practice deception or fraud in their application, examination, or appointments are deemed unsuitable from the current eligibility list.

3. Any misstatements and/or omissions of material fact during the application process are also cause for disqualification from the current eligibility list.

4. If an applicant is deemed unsuitable for this rule based on a previous finding of false statement/omission, the applicant will be deemed permanently unsuitable for employment.

O. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
1. Applicants must demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity, good work ethic, and loyalty to their past and present employers. The applicant’s employment history must not indicate:

a. Instability,
b. excessive tardiness or absenteeism,
c. inefficiency,
d. failure to follow directions,
e. policies or procedures violations,
f. rules and regulations violations,
g. poor working relationships,
h. negligent work habits.

2. In the last five (5) years preceding the date of the civil service written examination, applicants must not have been terminated, asked to resign, or resigned from any previous employment for engaging in inappropriate or unlawful behavior, including but not limited to any of the following:

a. Theft
b. Assault
c. Threats
d. Disorderly Conduct or Other Breaches of the Peace

Applicants deemed unsuitable under this cause are eligible to reapply for subsequent entrance examinations.

3. Applicants must not have been terminated, asked to resign, or having resigned during an investigation without a final outcome being rendered from any previous employment for engaging in inappropriate or unlawful behavior, including but not limited to any of the following:

a. Any Felony Offense
b. Sex Crimes
c. Sexual Harassment
d. Discriminatory or Retaliatory Acts
e. Any Offense Involving Acts of Moral Turpitude
f. Applicants deemed unsuitable under this cause are permanently unsuitable.
4. Applicants must not have been employed or engaged in an illegal occupation.
a. Applicants deemed unsuitable due to employment in an illegal occupation remain permanently unsuitable.

P. FIREFIGHTER / EMT - PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATION
1. Applicants who currently possess a valid TCFP (Texas Commission on Fire Protection) Structural Firefighter certification are eligible to receive five (5) additional points added to their passing score.
2. Applicants who currently possess a valid Texas DSHS (Department of State Health Services) EMT-P (Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic) certification are eligible to receive five (5) additional points added to their passing score.
3. These additional points may not be used in conjunction with “Military Service Points”. Maximum of 5 points allowed.
4. Applicant is responsible to include/upload copies of certifications with their initial application for verification.

Q. VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
As a condition of employment, applicants shall provide documentation verifying all required vaccinations, or acknowledge and agree to obtain any required vaccinations not yet completed, in compliance with EMS requirements.

R. ELIGIBILITY PLACEMENT
Applicants’ scores on the Civil Service written entrance examination will determine their placement on the eligibility list. Applicants will be processed in rank order based on anticipated vacancies. Upon achieving a passing score on the Civil Service written entrance examination, applicants must successfully complete each of the following phases:

PHYSICAL FITNESS
Applicants are required to pass a Physical Agility Test, which will be conducted after successfully passing the entrance examination. The evaluation is to determine physical agility and duty fitness for Entry Level Fire Service duties.

COMPLETE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

An extensive check of the applicant’s personal/work/criminal history will be performed by a Laredo Fire Department hiring committee. All of the information pertaining to the candidate will be considered by a Laredo Fire Department Designee which will determine the eligibility to proceed onto next phase of the process. Candidate must also complete a DPS fingerprint-based Applicant Clearinghouse of Texas using Departments’ Service Code.
Background investigation is a continuous process, any information or new incidents that occur while in the process which violate the minimum standards rules will be cause for disqualification.

Applicant may be rejected for employment at any point in the screening process or dismissed during the Academy.

POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
All applicants are required to submit to a polygraph examination and demonstrate their veracity in responses to all personal history, employment, criminal activity, and personal habit interrogatories presented in the Polygraph Questionnaire. Satisfactory demonstration of this requirement will be based on a polygraph examiner’s report of “No Deception Indicated.” The following guidelines shall apply to the manner of testing:

a. Each applicant is required to complete an approved “Pre-Employment Polygraph Questionnaire” prior to undergoing the examination.
b. The polygraph examination has the sole purpose of verifying the applicant’s truthfulness in the responses provided in the approved questionnaire.
c. Current or former law enforcement, corrections, or security officers are required to respond to additional questions relating to their conduct as a law enforcement, corrections, or security officer.
d. Polygraph examinations are conducted by a licensed polygraph examiner.
e. Applicants whose original polygraph results are found to be other than “No Deception Indicated” are re-examined within thirty (30) days if desired and at the expense of the candidate. In order to appeal, the applicant must submit a written notice of appeal addressed to the City of Laredo Fire Chief within five (5) calendar days of notification of disqualification.
f. Subsequent polygraph examinations are conducted by a different licensed polygraph examiner, to be determined by the Laredo Fire Department hiring committee.
g. All candidates whose results are found to be other than “No Deception Indicated” and refuse to take the polygraph re-test will be disqualified.
h. If after the re-test of the polygraph the results are found to be other than “No Deception Indicated” the results will be considered in conjunction with all other information pertinent to the candidate. The hiring committee may decide based
on this information whether the candidate will be disqualified or continue with the hiring process.
i. If after the re-test of the polygraph the results are “No Deception Indicated” the results of the re-test will be accepted, provided no disqualifying admissions are present.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
All applicants are required to undergo a psychological examination administered by a licensed psychologist who is licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists or by a psychiatrist licensed by the Texas Medical Board selected by the Laredo Fire Department to determine mental/emotional fitness for duty. The psychological examination must be conducted pursuant to professionally recognized standards and methods. The examination process must consist of a review of a job description for the position sought; review of any personal history statements; review of any background documents; at least two instruments, on which measures personality traits and one which measures psychopathology; and a face-to-face interview conducted after the instruments have been scored. Any applicant who is not deemed “not fit” after a psychological examination, must wait a minimum period of one (1) year from the date of disqualification before becoming eligible to reapply or as otherwise indicated by the psychologist.
Appeals for the Psychological Examination are required to meet the same standards as outlined above. Review of personal history statements, background documents and the use of at least two instruments, on which measures personality traits and one which measures psychopathology; and a face-to-face interview conducted after the instruments have been scored. The results of the original psychological examination will be forwarded to the examiner for review prior to the re-examination.

In order to appeal, the applicant must submit a written notice of appeal addressed to the Director of the Fire Fighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission of the City of Laredo, Texas within ten (10) calendar days of notification of disqualification. If an applicant is rejected by the initial psychologist, the applicant may request additional examination by a board of three psychologists appointed by the commission. The applicant must pay for the board examination. The board's decision is final.

ORAL BOARD AND EVALUATION DAY INTERVIEW PROCESS
All applicants are required to participate in an oral assessment conducted by an oral interview board comprised of Fire Service Officers and Training Staff from the Laredo Fire Department. The Oral interview is a continual process as information becomes available. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate during the interview process requiring the applicant to respond to queries related to their background, investigation findings, as well as his/her responses to hypothetical scenarios and related issues.

All applicants are required to participate in an Evaluation Day as part of the interview process. The Evaluation Day is a series of events that are designed to test the participant for both mental and physical fitness for the Fire Service. A team of Fire Service personnel will assess, evaluate, and award a graded score for their individual performance.
Passing the oral board interview along with the overall score in the Evaluation Day portion of the interview process will determine if the candidate successfully passed or failed the interview process.

MEDICAL EXAM
All applicants are then required to submit to a medical evaluation conducted by a Texas Medical Board licensed physician selected by the Laredo Fire Department. The physician must be familiar with and follow recommended guidelines from current edition of NFPA 1580 Standard for Emergency Responder Occupational Health and Wellness, specifically section, NFPA 1582 Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Department recommendations. The individual must be declared by the physician to be physically sound and free from any defect which may adversely affect the performance of duty appropriate to the type of license sought and show no trace of drug dependency or illegal drug use. The physician will determine the applicant’s medical fitness for duty.
Municipality shall pay for the examination however; if additional specialized exams are required for clearance, then the applicant will be responsible to pay for those specific exams. Failure of any drug screening at any stage of the hiring process will result in immediate disqualification, without the opportunity for appeal.
In order to appeal, the applicant must submit a written notice of appeal addressed to the Director of the Fire Fighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission of the City of Laredo, Texas within ten (10) calendar days of notification of disqualification. If an applicant is rejected by the initial physician, the applicant may request another examination by a board of three physicians appointed by the commission. The applicant must pay for the board examination. The board's decision is final.

APPEALS PROCESS
Strict adherence to the deadlines and direction for the appeals process will be enforced.

Appeals are as follows:
Qualifying 1.5-mile Run – No Appeal
Entrance Exam – No Appeal
Physical Agility Test – No Appeal
Oral Board and Evaluation Day Interview – No Appeal
Polygraph – Appeal within 5 calendar days of notification of disqualification, with a written notice to appeal submitted to the Laredo Fire Chief.
Psychological and Medical – Appeal within 10 calendar days of notification of disqualification, with a written notice to appeal submitted to the Director of the Firefighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission of the City of Laredo.
During the appeal process, applicant will no longer be considered on the active eligibility list until the appeal results are finalized. Candidates will be hired based on their availability and ranking on the active eligibility list. If you are passed over for a position in the Fire Academy due to an appeal, you will remain eligible for the next available academy position, provided it becomes available before the eligibility list expires. If the applicant passes the board examinations, they will be reinstated to the eligibility list based on their Civil Service Rank.
Upon an applicant’s successful completion of all of the aforementioned phases, he/she may be made a “conditional offer” of employment.

MANDATORY ACKNOWLEGEMENT
By submitting an application, the applicant acknowledges, as a condition of employment, the applicant must successfully pass all City of Laredo Fire Department written examinations and practical skills evaluations administered during the academy.

The applicant also acknowledges, as a condition of employment, that during the academy the applicant will be tested, must pass, and be Texas State certified in the following:

a. Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) - Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B), Paramedic (EMT-P)

b. Texas Commission of Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Structural Firefighter

The applicant also acknowledges, that during the academy the applicant may also be required to test, pass, and be Texas State certified in the following:

a. Texas Commission of Fire Protection (TCFP) Aircraft Rescue Firefighting

b. Texas Commission of Fire Protection (TCFP) Hazardous Materials Technician

Upon completion of all required certifications, the applicant will undergo a performance evaluation for the purpose of determining eligibility for graduation. As part of this process, the applicant must also successfully meet all requirements of the affective domain, including but not limited to professionalism, conduct, attitude, and overall performance expectations established by the department.

REVISED: 08/14/2026