A MESSAGE FROM BRIAN MARCOS, SMYRNA FIRE CHIEF
Dear Applicant,
On behalf of everyone at Smyrna Fire Department, I want to thank you for your interest in joining our exceptional team of professionals. A career in the fire service is more than just a job. It’s a commitment that requires the highest level of integrity, teamwork, and community service.
Smyrna Fire Department has provided professional and dedicated service for over 125 years. Today, we are proud to continue our Tradition of Excellence through our shared purpose, vision and values.
Our Purpose – We are an “all-hazards” organization with a focus on community risk reduction and an exceptional readiness to respond to emergencies. We save lives. We protect property. We improve the quality of life in our community.
Our Vision – To be recognized as a leader in community risk reduction, excel at developing our people, and build enduring partnerships.
Our Values – Integrity, Service, Accountability, Community, & Commitment
I invite you to look through this guide to learn more about our organization, then investment we make in our team and how we bring value to the citizens of Smyrna. This Applicant Guide is designed to be your go-to resource as you consider your future in the fire service. It contains helpful information about our requirements, application process, physical fitness tests, FAQs and the essential functions of Smyrna firefighter. You’ll also learn about the training programs we provide.
Once again, thank you for considering a career with Smyrna Fire Department. We look forward to reviewing your application and welcoming service-minded professionals like you to our team. If you have questions or need further information, please contact us at 770-434-6667.
In Service,
Brian Marcos
Smyrna Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Management
SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT
COMMAND STAFF
BRIAN MARCOS FIRE CHIEF/ DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
ERIC MOHRMANN DEPUTY CHIEF OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
DUSTIN DAVEY DEPUTY CHIEF OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES/ FIRE MARSHAL
KENNETH DURDEN DIVISION CHIEF OF TRAINING
JACOB BOWER A – SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF
KYLE O’BRYAN B – SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF
ERIC FARMER C – SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF
SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION CHART
BRIAN MARCOS Fire Chief/ EMA Director
ERIC MOHRMANN Deputy Chief Emergency Services
KELLY BASTIS Administrative Services Coordinator
EVAN MCBRAYER EMA Specialist
DEPUTY DIRECTOR PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
DUSTIN DAVEY Deputy Chief Administrative Services EMA DIVISION SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION JAMES PACE Support Services Coordinator BRYANT CLARK Logistics Technician
BATTALION CHIEFS KENNETH DURDEN Division Chief TRAINING DIVISION
CAPT. TIM GEORGE EMS Director
RESPONSE DIVISION
Health & Safety Officer JAKE BOWER A-Shift
KYLE O’BRYAN B-Shift
ERIC FARMER C-Shift
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION APRIL PHILLIPS Administrative Assistant
PREVENTION DIVISION
FIRE STATION 1 / HQ
2620 Atlanta Rd., Smyrna 30080
FIRE STATION 2
642 Concord Rd., Smyrna 30082
FIRE STATION 3
2825 Park Rd., Smyrna 30080
FIRE STATION 4
4595 S. Cobb Dr., Smyrna 30080
FIRE STATION 5
750 Cooper Lake Rd., Smyrna 30082
Smyrna fire department
SMYRNA SERVICE AREA & RESPONSE
2023 RESPONSE
114 total
• Structure: 39
• Vehicle: 22
• Other: 53
MISC. CALLS
2,805 total
• Hazardous Conditions: 210
• Service: 954
• Good Intent: 880
• Severe Weather/Natural Disaster: 20
• Pressure Ruptures, Exposure, and Overheat: 2
• Special Incident: 19
• Emergency Medical Treatment: 4,738
• Other: 219 FALSE CALLS 725 total
• Malicious: 5
• Other: 720 FIRES
7,881
WHY Join THE SFD TEAM? REWARDS OF THE FIRE SERVICE
THE WHY
PRESENTED BY THE SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANONYMOUS FIREFIGHTER
I NEVER WANTED A NORMAL LIFE. I NEVER WANTED A NORMAL JOB. I COULDN’T STAND THE THOUGHT.
WAKE UP, GO TO WORK, COME HOME, GO TO BED. WAKE UP AND DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN. NO CHALLENGE, NO SACRIFICE, NO PURPOSE.
FOR ME, I WANTED ADVENTURE. I WANTED TO BE MY BEST SELF, AND CONSTANTLY STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE.
I WANTED TO WORK AMONG INDIVIDUALS THAT FELT THE SAME WAY.
WE CONSTANTLY PUSH EACH OTHER...FORWARD, NEVER BACKWARDS.
I’VE ALWAYS THOUGHT TO MYSELF, I NEVER WANTED MY KIDS LOOKING UP TO SOMEONE ELSE, AND THAT’S WHY I BECAME A SMYRNA FIREFIGHTER.
“ “
Being a Firefighter for Smyrna Fire Department has provided me with an avenue to demonstrate strength of character every day I come to work. I take immense pride in being part of a team that people call upon in their hour of need.
Dante Gagliardi, Smyrna firefighter
SFD FIREFIGHTER JOB SUMMARY
Here’s how you’ll make a difference:
Symrna firefighters conduct fire department emergency and non-emergency activities during an assigned 24-hour shift. They engage in emergency scene activities, including basic firefighting and emergency medical care and perform a variety of staff support functions and related work as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Under direct supervision of commanding officer, responds to emergency calls for fire suppression, medical assistance, hazardous materials incidents, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, explosions, bomb threats, downed power lines and other emergency situations.
• Assists in providing protection of life and property; responds to 911 hang-up calls.
• Provides response, assistance, or follow-up for non-emergency situations.
• Assists in locating water supplies to fight fires.
• Performs search and rescue duties to locate people and animals in burning houses, apartments, and other structures; ventilates search areas; suppresses fires; cleans fire area; cleans all equipment including trucks and hoses and secures hoses on truck.
• Documents incidents on required National Fire Investigation Report forms; enters information into departmental computer.
• Ensures that all personal firefighting and emergency response equipment is properly maintained; conducts service tests of vehicles, ladders, fire hoses, nozzles, and other equipment.
• Conducts hydrant maintenance activities; paints hydrants; tests water flows; and report broken hydrants.
• Performs related work as assigned.
SFD FIREFIGHTER COMPENSATION
FIREFIGHTER COMPENSATION
Full-Time Uncertified | $49,443
Full-Time Certified | $53,337
Paramedic Supplemental Pay + 7.5%
Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)
The City of Smyrna offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
Medical and prescription drug coverage
Dental and vision coverage
Health savings (partially funded by the city based on health plan enrollment)
Flexible spending accounts
A defined benefit pension (retirement) plan
City-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
City-paid short and long term disability insurance
13 paid holidays
Paid vacation and sick time
Tuition reimbursement
Wellness and employee assistance programs
Additional benefit available to Certified firefighters:
State of Georgia Firefighters’ Pension Fund (city-paid)
For more information, please review our Employee Benefits Guide.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING:
High school diploma or GED
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must possess a valid Georgia Driver’s License
Must pass the City of Smyrna background investigation, medical, physical and drug screen, psychological assessment, and meet the Smyrna Fire Department physical ability standards.
For Certified Candidates Only:
Must possess a current NPQ FFI and Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (NREMT-B) or Georgia Certified Firefighter and Georgia Certified EMT
NPQ FFII and Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (NREMT-P) or Georgia Certified Firefighter and Georgia Certified Paramedic desired
SFD FIREFIGHTER HIRING PROCESS
APPLICANTS CONSIDERING EMPLOYMENT AS A SMYRNA FIREFIGHTER MUST SUCCESSFULLY PASS EACH STEP OF THE PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS BEFORE PROGRESSING TO THE NEXT STEP.
1. APPLY
All applicants must submit an online application to City of Smyrna Human Resources.
2. WRITTEN TEST
The City of Smyrna now uses the Accuplacer Next-Generation reading, Next-Generation writing, and Next-Generation Arithmetic for the written test. Please click this link to access study materials: Practice for the Accuplacer
A candidate may provide any of the following documents with their application to be exempted from the written test and move to the next phase of the hiring process:
• A document showing a valid State of GA Advanced EMT or higher license
• A copy of an Associate Degree or higher or a copy of a college transcript confirming graduation with an Associate Degree or higher from an accredited educational institution.
3. PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST
The physical ability test is conducted by the City of Smyrna Training Division. The test consists of eight stations that measure the candidate’s ability to perform the tasks in a given amount of time. Dress for the test consists of fire helmet,
firefighting gloves and a weighted vest. Click here for an outline of the different stations.
4. PANEL INTERVIEW BOARD
5. BACKGROUND CHECK
All potential employees of the City of Smyrna Fire Department must undergo a complete background check. The investigation checks for criminal history, DUIs, a pattern of traffic violations, excessive number of terminations from previous employers, financial status and drug use (possession or distribution).
6. INTERVIEW WITH THE FIRE CHIEF
8. PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM
9. PHYSICAL EXAM AND DRUG SCREEN
The physical exam is completed by a physician to determine whether you are able to perform the functions that may be required of you while employed with the City of Smyrna Fire Department.
SFD FIREFIGHTER
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I take the entrance examination more than once?
As long as you meet the basic requirements, you may take the entrance examination once each application period.
What are the age requirements?
Applicants for the position of Firefighter/AEMT for the City of Smyrna must be 18 years old at date of hire.
What level of education is required to be a firefighter?
Applicants for the position of Firefighter/AEMT for the City of Smyrna must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Do I get any extra points for a college degree or college credits?
A college degree is not required to apply for the position of Firefighter/AEMT for the City of Smyrna; however, allows exemption of the Accuplacer written test, and may serve you well in future promotional assessments.
Is a Fire Fighter I/II and NREMT certification required to apply?
The City of Smyrna does not require either certification at the time of application.
If my NREMT certification status is inactive or lapsed, can I still apply? Yes.
Do I have to have a driver’s license to be a Firefighter/AEMT?
Yes, you must obtain and maintain a valid State of Georgia Driver’s License.
Can I transfer from another fire service to the Smyrna Fire Department without having to take the test?
No. Even if a person has prior fire experience, he/she will still have to attend recruitment training.
How long will it take from the time I apply to the time I will go on shift in the event that I make it through the entire process?
The recruiting/application period can last up to 90 days. Smyrna Fire Training Academy lasts approximately 15 weeks.
How many firefighters get hired by the Smyrna Fire Department?
The City of Smyrna traditionally opens the application period as staffing dictates.
SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT
NEW RECRUIT TRAINING
GETTING OFF TO A GREAT START IN YOUR CAREER
New employees undergo a recruit school that lasts approximately 15 weeks. It will include training in firefighting, fire ground operations, hazardous material operations, basic vehicle extrication and emergency medical response.
SFD FIREFIGHTER
ONGOING
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
INVESTING IN YOUR LONG-TERM SUCCESS
COMPANY TRAINING
The Smyrna Fire department maintains a library of Training Action Plans (TAPS). The Training Division submits an Annual Training Plan to the Command Staff that includes many of these TAPS as well as training on new equipment, technologies and best practices. This training is executed monthly and will reference many of these subjects:
• Forcible Entry
• Hose Advancement
• Ground and Aerial Ladders
• Engine Pumping Scenarios
• Hose and Nozzles
• Water Can operations
• Rules of Air Management
• FF Survival and Rapid Intervention Crews
• Secondary Means of Egress
• Technical Rescue Basics
• Vehicle Stabilization
• Extrication
SUPERVISOR TRAINING
• Qualified Company Officer
• The Highly Promotable
• Behavioral Health Services
• Supervisor’s Field Guide
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• High Rise Operations
• Blue Card Command Labs
• Basic Fire Apparatus Operations
• Pump School
• Driver’s Education and Course
• Community Risk Reduction Introduction
SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING FACILITY
THE YARD
Aiming for Excellence Through Professional Development
THE YARD is instrumental in training our new hire recruit classes, continuing education and hosting outside agency regional training.
SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT
EMT & PARAMEDIC TRAINING
EMS TRAINING
Smyrna Fire paramedics represent the highest level assigned to an EMS organization, and in general, the highest level of pre-hospital medical care. Paramedics perform a variety of advanced medical procedures and assessments. This level of pre-hospital care, combined with Smyrna Fires rapid response time, not only saves lives, but also improves the quality of life after our citizens return home from the hospital. Early recognition and intervention of heart disease, stroke, difficulty breathing and cardiac arrest by Smyrna Fire paramedics has led to the continuing care of our city.
This Division also teaches and coordinates the medical training for the Smyrna Fire Department including initial EMT school and continuous EMS training. EMT School requires a total of 290 initial EMS training hours.
PARAMEDIC SCHOOL
Smyrna Fire Department sends selected firefighters to attend Metro Atlanta Ambulance EMS Academy. Two firefighters completed the academy in 2022/2023 and three firefighters completed the academy in 2023/2024.
SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT FUTURE FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM
THE FUTURE FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM is presented by the Smyrna Fire Department to aid individuals seeking a career in fire and EMS. The program will provide guidance to participants who wish to become a trusted member of the Smyrna Fire Department as well as preparation for the physical demands of the job.
The program takes place over five days, four hours/day and includes the following:
SMYRNA FIRE FUNDAMENTALS
• Calisthenics exercises
• Jogging
• Lifting and moving tools and objects used by FD personnel
SMYRNA FIRE CULTURE TRAINING
• Firefighter daily routines
• Core Values
• Coaching on interview techniques
SELECTION PROCESS
• Physical Ability Test
• Practice interview sessions
• Information about the Accuplacer Test
Participants successfully completing the program will be placed on a preferred hiring list.
SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT BUREAU
OF FIRE PREVENTION
THE SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT’S BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION (BOFP) division was established in 1970 after the city adopted its first fire prevention code. The Bureau’s primary mission is to create a safer environment for our valued residents, the members of our business community, and everyone who visits our great city. This mission is accomplished through the enforcement of the state’s minimum fire safety standards and our locally adopted municipal codes.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF THE BOFP INCLUDE:
• Code compliance inspections through all phases of construction
• Review construction documents to ensure code compliance of proposed buildings and remodels
• Review business license applications
• Issue various permits
• Issue of Certificates of Occupancy
• Conduct fire & Life safety inspections of existing buildings and structures
• Ensure ADA compliance
• Conduct fire investigations
• New hire background investigations
• Active influencers of Community Risk Reduction
FIRE INVESTIGATION
BOFP ACTIVITY TOTALS
IN 2023, THERE WERE TOTAL OF 26 FIRE INCIDENTS IN THE CITY. OF THOSE, 21 WERE INVESTIGATED TO DETERMINE THE ORIGIN AND CAUSE BY FIRE INVESTIGATORS.
In addition to inspection activities, the Bureau functions as a coordinated team of fire investigators. Our team is comprised of the Fire Marshal and four additional state/nationally certified fire investigators. This group is charged with investigating the causes and circumstances of every fire occurring in the city which is of suspicious nature, or which involves loss of life or injury to any person.
SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
THE SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT’S
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (SEMA) is dedicated to advancing the principles of prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and recovery from natural and man-made disasters. SEMA works closely with all city departments, employees, businesses, and citizens as well as local, state, and federal partners to manage threats and hazards to the City of Smyrna.
SEMA’s mission is carried out by assisting and educating Smyrna stakeholders in hazard identification and prevention, disaster response training for personnel and the public, alerting the public of imminent hazardous events, as well as plans development and data collection for city decision makers. SEMA is dedicated to building a culture of resiliency and preparedness with the community.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
• Developed and hosted the first ever Smyrna Safe Business Program for eight local business leaders
• Oversaw revisions to the Smyrna Emergency Operations Plan
• Hosted the Emergency Management tabletop exercise for city leadership
• Participated and facilitated multiple training and discussion events with local partners (Whitefield Academy, Colonial Pipeline, etc.)
• Assisted in the development of a Continuity of Operations Plan for multiple Smyrna departments
• Developed the Emergency Communication Procedures for city leadership
SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Smyrna Fire Department is proud to be a part of many community outreach events. On a daily shift, the fire department conducts blood pressure checks, station and school tours and car seat installations for the citizens of Smyrna. The department is also very active in community events:
• The Smyrna Business Association
• The Public Safety Foundation
• Shop with a Hero event
• Keep Smyrna Beautiful
• Providing CPR and First Aid classes to the community
• Fire Safety Training Trailer
LEADERSHIP
ACCOUNTABILITY
smyrnaga.gov/departments/public-safety/fire-department