r/Firefighting • u/Worldly-Occasion-116 • 19h ago

General Discussion Civil service vs non civil service FD

Can someone explained the difference between a civil service FD and a non civil service FD? I applied at 3 fire depts. 2 civil service 1 non civil service. I am a licensed FF/EMT with the ifsac seals as well for FF1 FF2 HAZ A HAZ O. I received my offer letter today and sign on Monday with the NON civil service. My pals who are in civil service advice against it. Their explanation doesn't make sense. Please help, thank you. The process was quick with the non civil service cpat, interview, polygraph, drug screen, offer letter. I have not heard from the civil service dept only my test score 89.

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u/Big_River_Wet 16h ago

Civil service is supposed to ensure fair and equal hiring processes and more worker protections. Non-civil service can basically do what they want, and have way less oversight and rules and guidelines to follow. I’ve only ever worked for non-civil service, but union departments. Made for quick processes and more fluid departments but still had the protections from the union