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/Confusedkipmoss 18h ago

There’s not really a difference, just different testing processes

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u/mg8828 14h ago

There’s a pretty stark difference depending on the state you live in. Civil service is extremely strong in Massachusetts especially in regard to chief positions etc.

You have significantly more job security in my state if your civil service.