Highlands County Fire Rescue (HCFR) was formed October 2, 2018, by resolution of the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners. The newly formed combination paid/volunteer department consolidated operations of the previous 10 independent volunteer fire companies, under the County system. Further, Highlands County EMS was consolidated into the new HCFR.

HCFR is an all-hazards response organization, responding to 911 calls for myriad issues including but not limited to: structure, brush, vehicle, and trash fires; motor vehicle wrecks; shootings, stabbings, and other injuries along with heart attacks, strokes, COVID, and many other illnesses. We also respond to hazardous materials incidents, technical rescue calls, cats in trees, individual life assists, investigations for odors and sounds, along with many other emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance.

Requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.

2. Complete the application process.

3. You will be required to appear in person at either a local fire station or headquarters, at a time to be determined to receive ID, Uniforms and Firefighting Gear (No charge to you).

4. Completion of New Hire Orientation (No cost and no prior training required).

5. All applicants will be expected to regularly attend meetings and internal trainings.

6. While there is not a specific residency requirement, volunteers must be capable of responding to the station for calls. Volunteers generally live close to the station where they are assigned.

7. We pay $5.00 for every call you respond to, paid quarterly.

8. We provide a length of service award program (certain $ figure forever).

THE HIGHLANDS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Does not Discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, religious belief, color, national origin, disability/handicap, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetics or any other legally protected group/class. We are proud to be a drug free workplace. Screening tests for illegal drug use may be required as a condition of employment