Firefighter Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

The job of a firefighter is inherently dangerous, but the brave men and women who do it are essential to protecting the lives and property of their communities.

To get the attention of hiring managers, you’ll need to write a cover letter that conveys your passion for helping people, along with your professional skills.

Follow these examples and tips to learn how to write a firefighter cover letter that’s sure to impress hiring managers.

Firefighter Cover Letter Example 1

I’d like to express my interest in the firefighter job that you currently have open. As a fully-qualified first responder with seven years of experience in the field, I believe I would make a great addition to your team at the Kensington County Fire Department.

On paper, I hold a bachelor’s degree in emergency management from the University of Kentucky. I’m also certified in EMT, CPR/AED and debfib, and I’ve been vetted as a Federal Red Card System Member since 2009. I currently hold a Class B driver’s license and have never been in an accident or received a ticket for anything.

In terms of real-world experience, I’ve been a member of my county’s fire department for the past seven years. I’m qualified to handle fires in both residential and land environments, and I’m capable of administering fire suppression and basic emergency medical care in high-pressure situations. I’ve run into burning buildings and helped to evacuate local citizens from the path of forest fires. I’ve wrapped tourniquets. I’ve even rescued a kitten from a second-story window.

You said in your ad that you’re looking for someone who can help prevent fires as well as put them out. One of my duties in my current position is to host an annual Fire Safety Awareness Class (FSAC) for elementary schools throughout my district. I’ve also spoken at lectures and professional seminars about fire prevention.

Another requirement in your ad was a strong people person, someone who can manage and even lead the firehouse when the captains are away. I’d actually like to be a captain someday, so I take workplace order very seriously. I fully adhere to all safety protocols and am known around my current department as the “go-to” person for questions about regulations.

I think that being a firefighter is one of the most noble career paths anyone can take, and I’m proud to have served as a fire suppression and extermination expert for the past seven years. If you’re willing to give me a chance, you’ll find me to be a passionate and deeply committed employee who really believes in what we’re doing.

I’d love the chance to sit down with you and discuss my qualifications in person. I can be reached by phone or email any day of the week between 8am and 8pm. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Firefighter Cover Letter Example 2

I heard from Captain Steven Madlock in the Albany Fire Department that you’re looking for new firefighters at the Hillwood Emergency Response Center. I’m a fully-certified EMT and fire suppression specialist with six years of experience in emergency environments, and I believe I’m more than qualified to join your team.

I began my career in the pre-med program at the University of Wisconsin before switching my major to emergency medical technician in my junior year. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I gained employment at Methodist North Hospital as an EMT, a position I enjoyed for two years.

I felt the call of firefighting when I took an optional course in fire safety in 2012. I quickly realized I’d found a new passion, and I graduated from the Wisconsin Academy of Fire Science before the end of the year.

I learned all about controlling and containing fires in the Academy. In addition to book work, we also ran simulations of burning buildings and residential homes, and I passed every test with flying colors thanks to my background as an EMT. I’m calm in even the direst of circumstances, and I can apply basic field-level medical care to anyone on the scene who needs it.

I’ve spent the last four years as a volunteer firefighter for the Albany Fire Department, but I’d love the opportunity to become a firefighter full-time. I’m a passionate, dedicated individual who has found my life’s work in being a first responder, and I’d love the opportunity to show you what I can do in person.

My father was a doctor, and I greatly admired his work and followed in his footsteps when I entered the medical field. We always joked that helping people is in my genes. As for my experience, I feel I’ve outlined that already, and my passion means that I’m always willing to go above and beyond to save lives.

I’ve attached my resume so you can view the details of my degrees and certificates. References are available upon request. If you’d like to get in touch with me to schedule an interview, I can be reached any day of the week after 10am.

Firefighter Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to apply for the open firefighter position that was advertised Sunday in the Omaha Times. I have recently moved to Omaha from out of state and am looking to continue the firefighting career that I’ve been working on for the last decade. As this letter will demonstrate, I have extensive personal and professional qualifications that make me uniquely suited to perform this job.

Immediately after high school, I attended Big State University where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in fire science. After graduation, I used my degree to become a firefighter in the military. I used my qualifications to train others in the process of fighting fires started by natural causes, chemicals, and arson. I also became comfortable working to extinguish fires even under extremely dangerous circumstances. While in the military I was responsible for fighting fires while under enemy fire. I was highly successful in this position and eventually obtained the rank of captain. Before leaving the service, I earned a Purple Heart.

Upon receiving my honorable discharge I continued firefighting in my home state of Indiana. I become a certified EMT and also obtained an Executive Fire Officer certification from the National Fire Academy. I also continued by education by pursuing coursework in anti-arson and disaster preparedness.

Furthermore, throughout my career I have placed a high priority on physical fitness. I am capable of running a 6 minute mile and lifting 300 pounds. Due to my extensive experience, you can trust that my body will not fail me even under the most stressful of circumstances. I have been in situations where I was forced to work on a fire for over 24 hours and have never succumbed to exhaustion.

As my recommendations will show, I have excellent interpersonal skills. I am happiest when working as a member of a team. I know that there is no place for egos or selfishness in a fire station and I am proud to say that I always give my best to helping out teammates. I will always be there to help others who are struggling and to help carry the load when my teammates need me.

All told, I believe these qualifications make me an excellent candidate. I would like the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications in an interview. I can be contacted at 555-555-5555, or by email at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.

Firefighter Cover Letter Writing Tips

Highlight your communication skills

Firefighters are responsible for protecting people from danger and loss. As a firefighter, it’s your job to keep the public calm and informed during an emergency. If you want to be a firefighter, show hiring managers how you can do this in your cover letter by highlighting any experience you have interacting with people or community outreach.

Emphasize physical fitness

Because of the physical demands of this profession, it’s important to emphasize that you’re in excellent physical condition and have the strength, stamina and endurance to work long shifts. To make it clear that you are physically capable for this job, start off your cover letter with a brief story about a time when you were able to show bravery or strength during an emergency situation.

Show That You Are Willing to Face Challenges

As a firefighter, you’re one of the first responders at the scene of an emergency. You need to be able to stay cool and work efficiently under extreme pressure.

To show prospective employers that you are confident and competent in these situations, make sure your cover letter emphasizes your ability to deliver when it matters most. Your letter should also discuss how you bring out the best in others so that they feel empowered to do their best work as well.

Proofread your cover letter

It’s important to proofread your cover letter because it is the one chance you have to make a first impression. When applying for firefighter positions, you want your resume and cover letter to be precise and detailed. After all, if you can’t spell or use proper grammar, why would they think you are serious about the job.