Fire Department

 

All About Firehouse Life:

The Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD) has three work shifts: Unit 1, Unit 2, and Unit 3. The shifts are 24 hours long and followed by 48 hours off. This means you will work every third day from 0700 to 0700 the next day.

KELLY DAY:

Did you know that, as a Cincinnati firefighter, you get an extra day off every third week? By working six tours (three weeks), you will have worked enough hours to have an extra day compensated. 

GEAR AND UNIFORMS:

Every firefighter has two sets of custom-fit turnout gear. All required uniforms and apparel are provided.

HOUSE ROUTINES:

Firefighters take pride in their station and treat it as their own home. Housework is a daily event. Depending on the rules of the house, someone is assigned to cook for the day. Most Members dine together, and it is a time when the crew shares meals and conversation. It is one of the most valuable times and spaces within a firehouse.

FITNESS WORKOUTS:

Most firehouses have several key pieces of workout equipment. Strength conditioning and cardiovascular conditioning are essential to firefighting.

NATURE OF THE FIRE SERVICE:

The nature of the fire service is that you never know what the emergency call will be. Your team must be prepared for any situation. This may mean that, sometimes, meals are missed and sleep is interrupted, but our Members would tell you that it's worth it.

FIREHOUSE SLEEPING QUARTERS:

At most firehouses, men and women have separate locker rooms. Depending on the station's size, four to 12 people may sleep in the same room within partitioned spaces.