GEAR UP: Learn What It Takes to Become a Firefighter with EPFR
Interested in a career in the fire service?
Join East Pierce Fire & Rescue for GEAR UP: Learn What It Takes to Become a Firefighter with EPFR, an informational session designed to help prospective applicants understand the path to becoming an EPFR Firefighter.
The event will be held Saturday, April 25 at Station 111, with two identical two-hour sessions at 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Attendees can participate in person or virtually.
During the session, East Pierce Fire & Rescue personnel will walk through the firefighter hiring process, academy expectations, career opportunities, and what candidates can do now to prepare for success. There will also be time for questions and discussion.
Between sessions, attendees are invited to visit the apparatus bay from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM to explore firefighter gear, tools, and emergency vehicles on display.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Location: Station 111 (8601 Main Street East, Bonney Lake, WA 98391)
Format: Hybrid (in-person and virtual)
Parking Instructions: Parking will be available at the Bonney Lake Park and Ride, with shuttle service to Station 111 beginning at 8:20 AM.
Registration is required to attend. In-person space is limited. In-person attendance is limited and available to only individuals who will be 21 years old by December 31, 2026. If in-person sessions reach capacity or you are under 21, registrants will be invited to participate through the virtual option.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Attendance Information
This event is offered in a hybrid format.
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Virtual attendance is open to all registrants. A virtual meeting link will be sent approximately one week before the event to those who register for the virtual option.
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In-person attendance is limited to individuals who will be 21 years old by December 31, 2026.
Space is limited. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance.
If in-person sessions reach capacity, additional registrants will be invited to attend virtually.
What to Expect
This two-hour presentation and Q&A session will cover:
Application and Testing Process
Timeline, how to apply, minimum requirements, and testing steps
Pre-Employment Process
Conditional offer, CPAT requirement, background check, and screenings
Interview Preparation
Tips for oral boards, chief interviews, and common pitfalls to avoid
Fire Academy Overview
Certifications, duration, training expectations, academics, physical demands, attitude, and time commitment
Career and Benefits
A day in the life, probationary period, work schedule, special teams, pay, and benefits
Interactive Bay Experience
Between the two presentation sessions, attendees are invited to stop by the apparatus bay for a brief interactive experience, including:
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Firefighter turnout gear
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SCBA and tools
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One engine
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One medic unit
Attendees may have the opportunity to handle select equipment, but no tools or equipment will be powered on.
Who Should Attend
This event is intended for individuals who are:
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Interested in pursuing a firefighter career
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Preparing to apply in the near future
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Looking to better understand the hiring and academy process
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Exploring whether the fire service is the right fit
Parking Instructions
Please park at the Bonney Lake Park and Ride (184th Ave E & SR 410, Bonney Lake, WA 98391).
Shuttle service to Station 111 begins at 8:20 AM.