WHO WE ARE
ABOUT
The Grand Rapids Fire Department values the citizens of and visitors to the City of Grand Rapids and its surrounding area. As such, we strive to employ a diverse group of people dedicated to ensuring their safety and assisting them in any way possible. We want to find like-minded people who desire to be excellent at this craft and who are interested in protecting this community.
1850
Year Established
25,000
200+
Emergency Responses per year
Firefighters
11
Fire Stations
WHY GRFD?
I began working at GRFD when I was 19 years old. Within this time, the fire department has helped me relate to the people in my community in a variety of situations and circumstances. This career is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to help people in a very tangible way.
Deputy Chief
Eric Freeman
SERVICES
FIRE PROTECTION
We seek to provide world class fire service protection to the surrounding community, protecting both the public and their property to the best of our ability.
We provide BLS medical care for medical emergencies experienced by the public. This includes both medical issues (such as difficulty breathing, cardiac issues, etc.) and traumatic injuries (including car accidents, falls, etc.).
MEDICAL RESPONSE
EXTRICATION
We employ extrication teams who specialize in removing people who are trapped by vehicles, machinery, or any other rescue situation where the person needs to be freed. The most common type of extrication involves vehicle accidents where a person needs to be removed from the vehicle in an emergency.
HAZMAT RESPONSE
We have a dedicated Hazardous Materials Team that is trained to respond to scenes where spills, leaks, fires involving chemicals and the like threaten the public. We work to contain the release and keep everyone anyone compromised by it safe.
WATER/ICE RESCUE
We have a Water/Ice Rescue Team which uses any of our fleet of boats and water rescue equipment to retrieve anyone who is in a dangerous position in a body of water. These people train throughout the year to maintain proficiency in their craft and help keep the community safe while they enjoy activities in the Grand River and any other bodies of water in Grand Rapids.
TECH RESCUE
We have a highly trained Tech Rescue Team that performs emergency rescues of several different types. At a minimum these include: High Angle Rope Rescue, Collapse Rescue, Trench Rescue, and Confined Space Rescue. However, the men and women of the GRFD will use their experience, training, and equipment to assist citizens in need in any situation they find themselves in.