How to become a firefighter in Gander

Verified GuideModel A: We train youDepartment-specific

Accepts applications year-round

The volunteer page publishes a standing application with no deadline: "Please fill out and return the Application Form to Gander Fire Rescue." It also advises applying for the criminal record check immediately, "as your acceptance will depend on our receipt of a clear background check."

Checked October 15, 2026 against the department's own page. Intake dates change without notice, so confirm there before you plan around this.

Where are you starting from?

What you need

The credentials and documents Gander requires before you can apply.

How hiring works here

Every stage Gander publishes, and how to do each one well.

Build your plan

Two minutes: see which requirements you already meet, and what to start first.

At a glance

Entry model: Model A: We train you
Fire certification before applying: None listed before applying
Medical requirement: None listed
Driver requirement: Valid driver's licence
Written test: None published
Physical test: Department-specific
Last verified: July 2026 · sources monitored daily for changes

A summary of this record. The full detail is below, and the official posting governs.

Gander Fire Rescue publishes its volunteer applicant requirements on the town website. Applicants must be residents of the Town of Gander, at least 18 years of age, possess a valid driver's licence and a high school diploma or equivalent, provide a clear court and criminal record check, and be able to meet the physical fitness requirements set out in the department's FPAT requirement document enclosed with the application. The department trains its members, with volunteers able to earn Level 1 and 2 Firefighter, Pump Operator, Hazardous Materials Management, and Fire Services Instructor qualifications plus first aid training. Applications are made on the town's form and returned to Gander Fire Rescue.

Entry-level hiring with no fire certifications required. The department trains recruits in-house. Medical certifications and driver licensing are the differentiators.

How their intake usually runs

Standing recruitment; apply on the town's form at any time

Requirements

Required at application

Resident of the Town of Gander
The posting states the applicant must be a resident of the Town of Gander.
At least 18 years of age
Valid driver's licence
No licence class is specified on the posting.
Prepare with roadmap step 4: Upgrade the driver's licence
High school diploma or equivalent
Prepare with roadmap step 2: Lock the minimums
Clear court and criminal record check
The posting advises applying for the criminal record check immediately, as acceptance depends on receipt of a clear background check.
Prepare with roadmap step 10: Personal History Statement and background
Physical fitness requirements (department FPAT)
Applicants must be able to meet the physical fitness requirements set out in the department's FPAT requirement document enclosed with the application package.
Prepare with roadmap step 13: Physical testing

The hiring process

Check the published requirements before you fill anything in. You must be a resident of the Town of Gander, at least 18 years of age, hold a valid driver's licence, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. The residency rule is strict, so if you live outside town limits this posting is not open to you.
The form itself is one page. It asks for your contact details, driver's licence number and class, whether you own a car, your employer and occupation, any previous fire-related training or experience, first aid certification with dates, your education level, and two references with phone numbers. Line up your references before you start and pick people who will actually answer their phones.
The form has a yes-or-no line asking whether education certificates are provided, so include a copy of your diploma or equivalent with the package. No experience is necessary and the department trains its members, so answer the training and experience questions honestly rather than padding them.
Return the completed form to Gander Fire Rescue at 85 Raynham Avenue, email it to gfr@gandercanada.com, or call 709-256-8887 with questions. The posting says a physical fitness (FPAT) requirement document is enclosed with the application package, but that document is not posted online, so ask the department for it when you apply and confirm what the test involves.
Department source for this stage
Read roadmap step 7 Review your Gap List Certification tracker
The town's page tells applicants to apply for the criminal record check immediately, because acceptance depends on Gander Fire Rescue receiving a clear one. Start it the same day you complete the form, since it is usually the slowest part of the process.
The posting asks for a clear court and criminal record check but does not say which agency to use, what it costs, or how recent it must be. Request it from the police service that covers Gander and confirm those details with the department before you pay for anything.
A clear check is a condition of acceptance, not a formality; the application form even has an office-use line tracking when your criminal record check arrives. If anything on your record worries you, contact the department before you apply so you know where you stand.
Department source for this stage
Read roadmap step 10 Draft your PHS Build your experience logbook

Worth knowing

Volunteers receive specialized training, including Level 1 and 2 Firefighter, Pump Operator, Hazardous Materials Management, and Fire Services Instructor qualifications, plus first aid training.
The residency requirement is strict: only residents of the Town of Gander may apply.

Official sources

Last verified July 2026. Requirements change: the official posting always governs.

Semparo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Gander Fire Rescue or any testing vendor. This guide is independent preparation content.

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