The Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD) is proud to welcome its newest class of fire recruits, who were officially sworn in this morning, Monday, February 3, at 9:30 a.m. This incoming class consists of 52 recruits—42 men and 10 women, a milestone number as the largest number of women in one class for the CFD—bringing fresh talent and diversity to the department. Over the next 31 weeks, these recruits will undergo rigorous training to prepare for the job demands. The program includes 23 weeks (920 hours) of fire, hazmat and fire inspection training, and eight weeks (320 hours) of EMS training, culminating in official graduation and promotion to the rank of Probationary Firefighter.

This recruit class plays a crucial role in maintaining staffing levels as the department adjusts to retirements. These staffing requirements ensure the CFD can maintain exemplary response times and customer service to the citizens of Cincinnati.

Fire Chief Frank McKinley expressed his excitement as this new class kicks off. “Recruit Class 123 will carry forward our legacy of providing the best customer service possible to the citizens of Cincinnati, while also ushering in a new generation of firefighting. I am grateful to our training staff for the immense work that goes into preparing for new classes, and to the City’s Administration for ensuring we have the funding to continue bringing on the best talent to our department.”

Recruit Class 123 will be the last training class produced from the historic Liberty and Linn training facility, with the first class having come through this location in 1939. Drill school has been training at this location for 85 years. The CFD has broken ground on a new training center, located on the Millcreek campus, that is estimated to be completed in August, 2025.

The CFD is currently accepting applications. Visit the City of Cincinnati’s GovernmentJobs.com page to apply today.