Sample Firefighter Cover Letter
Be the first and best responder to a firefighter job posting.
You’ve found a position at a fire department that’s the perfect fit for you. When you’re ready to apply, team your resume with a red-hot firefighter cover letter that smokes out the competition and gets you invitations to interview.
To grab the attention of hiring managers, your cover letter must summarize your firefighting skills and experience and convey your passion for public service. In your cover letter, refer to each job requirement that’s listed in the posting. For example, you could mention your knowledge of hydraulics and your skills in emergency management. It’s essential to use the exact wording in the posting so the hiring manager can easily connect your experience with their needs.
This fire department cover letter also includes a slogan: “what we refer to as ‘the family business.’” It’s one tactic to get attention. You can also put a personalized slogan under your name at the top of your letter, in the far-left margin, or in italics at the bottom of your cover letter.
Firefighter Cover Letter
Blaze Overton
Austin, TX l (555) 555-5555 l blaze.overton@email.com
Month XX, 20XX
Ms. Patricia Knorr
HR Director
City of Austin
55 Main St.
Austin, TX 55555
Dear Ms. Knorr:
As a Texas-certified firefighter backed by EMT and First Responder certifications, my background includes the qualifications you seek for your firefighter opening, including:
- In-depth knowledge of firefighting, fire suppression, and fire-prevention techniques and procedures.
- A solid foundation in hydraulics principles.
- Skills in emergency medicine and HAZMAT handling.
The enclosed résumé details my firefighting training, skills, and achievements. I want to use this cover letter to tell you more about my personal connection to firefighting.
I’ve wanted to be a firefighter for as long as I can remember. After earning my Associate of Fire Science degree three years ago, that dream became a reality when I joined Fire Station #4 in Houston, TX. I am the latest in a long line of Overtons to become a professional firefighter; my grandfather, father, and older sister preceded me in what we refer to as “the family business.”
Six months ago, my wife’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, so we relocated to Austin to assist with his care. I had hoped to join Austin’s fire department, but shortly after our relocation, the mayor announced budget cutbacks and a hiring freeze.
Realizing it was time for “Plan B,” I accepted a job as an EMT for a private ambulance company and have served in that role for the past five months. My work for Emergency Services One has allowed me to continue practicing my first-responder and lifesaving skills and has given me an intimate familiarity with Austin’s street systems and physical layout. I’ve also kept up with the same fitness regimen I maintained while serving as a firefighter, which includes CrossFit® workouts.
You can imagine my surprise and excitement when I found a posting for a Austin firefighter job. I understand the competition for this position will be fierce, but I assure you that if selected, I would give my all to serving my fire chief, fire captain, fellow crew, and community with excellence.
I appreciate your time and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Blaze Overton
Check out some additional advice in the Monster library for tips to help you write your cover letter. Once you have your cover letter written, turn your attention to your resume. Take a look at this example firefighter resume to complete your application package.
When it’s time to interview, Monster has your back with sample firefighter interview questions to help you anticipate and practice what questions might be in your interview. We’ve also supplied some suggestions to help you formulate your answers.
According to Monster’s research, the median income for a firefighter is $43,793. It’s easy to use Monster’s Salary Tool to look up the pay range for firefighters in your area.
Some areas of the country have a higher-than-average demand for firefighters. The top five firefighter job locations are:
You can also take a look at all firefighter jobs on Monster to see what might be a good fit.
Light Up Your Cover Letter With Help From Monster
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