Lateral Entry - Firefighter/EMT
Calling all experienced fire and emergency professionals
Certified. Experienced. Ready for more?
The Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Lateral Program fast-tracks experienced, certified firefighters and EMTs into field operations — without requiring the full recruit academy.
At Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services, we turn experience into impact. Here, your leadership grows through action, your expertise is respected, and your service makes a lasting difference.
Salary and Growth Opportunities
| Are you ready to lead? Your experience is your advantage. We offer competitive pay, advanced training, and clear paths for promotion. |
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For information about our benefits, visit the Salary and Benefits page. |
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Recognition and Respect
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Pride in every patch. Fellowship in every firehouse. |
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We honor excellence through:
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Resources and Tools
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Equipped to Excel |
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Mission, Vision, and Values
Vision Statement
Deliver the highest quality of service.
Mission Statement
Saving lives and protecting property.
Values Statement
- Truth: We believe in integrity and honesty
- Trust: We believe in accountability and transparency
- Respect: We believe in equity and compassion
- Unity: We believe in inclusivity and engagement
Eligibility
To apply as a lateral candidate, you must already hold required certifications at the time of application:
- Current National Registry or State of Georgia EMT certification (or higher)
- Georgia NPQ Firefighter I (required)
- Georgia NPQ Firefighter II (preferred)
- NPQ Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
IFSAC and ProBoard certifications are accepted, however out-of-state candidates must receive reciprocity through the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council and pass the Firefighter I written and skills tests to become state of Georgia certified.
If you presently hold a valid National Registry or State of Georgia Paramedic certification, please apply to the Firemedic position." below the IFSAC sentence.
Hiring Process
The hiring process typically includes two phases:
Phase I
- Online application and oral interview
- Conditional job offer and Physical Performance Evaluation
Phase II
- Comprehensive background check and reference checks
- Psychological evaluation and pre-employment medical screening
- Fingerprinting and final job offer
- County and department orientation
Orientation
Approved lateral hires complete a focused orientation at the Training Academy (typically 2–3 weeks) before assignment to field operations.
New Hire Orientation Week:
Confirm certifications and licensures
- EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic
- NPQ Firefighter I and II
- NPQ Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
- BLS/ACLS Certifications (as applicable)
- NIMS 100, 200, 700, & 800
- Traffic Incident Management System
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
- At least 300 hours of Firefighter courses (FFI, FFII & HazMat)
Lateral Hire Orientation Week:
- Complete continuing education hours
- Complete EMS Skills verification and AHAs Resuscitation Quality Improvement
- Complete Fire Core Comps and GFSTC Physical Agility Test
- Complete Med Unit Driving, ESO, Telestaff, and Stryker Stretcher training
Lateral Firefighter Training Program
Completion of three week Gwinnett Firefighter Core Training
- Public Education
- Hi-Rise Training
- Advanced hose deployment, advancement, and fire attack
- Advanced search, ladders, and forcible entry
- Safety and Survival
Performed While Breathing Air
- Practical/Physical Performance Evaluation
- SCBA Obstacle Training Course
- Aerial Climb
- Hose Entanglement
- Second Floor Maze**
- Tower Search Drill**
- Firefighter II Burns
Frequently Asked Questions
Do lateral hires need to attend recruit school?
If a candidate has NPQ FFI, NPQ FFII, NPQ Hazmat Awareness, NPQ Hazmat Operations, and is currently National Registry or State of GA EMT certified, they will not be required to attend recruit school. However, they will be assigned to the Training Academy upon hire for a two – three (2-3) week orientation prior to being assigned to Field Operations on a rotating 24-hour shift schedule until the next Lateral program begins. It is important to note each candidate’s experience and certifications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine credentialing verification.
- Firefighter I only: Requires Firefighter II and lateral credentialing (about 6 weeks)
- Firefighter II: Requires lateral credentialing only (about 3 weeks)
Please also note, state reciprocity may extend beyond the 2-3 week orientation based on individual candidate qualifying status.
What is the starting pay?
Pay is based on your certifications and experience. The current salary range is $49,086 – $78,589.
Additional benefits include:
- Education incentive pay (3% or 6%, depending on eligibility)
- Tuition reimbursement for eligible employees
What does the hiring process look like?
The hiring process typically includes two phases:
Phase I
- Online application and oral interview
- Conditional job offer and Physical Performance Evaluation
Phase II
- Comprehensive background check and reference checks
- Psychological evaluation and pre-employment medical screening
- Fingerprinting and final job offer
- County and department orientation
How does the process work for re-hires?
If you are re-applying more than one year after leaving the department, you must complete the full hiring process (Phases I and II).
If you re-apply within one year of leaving:
- Phase I includes the application, conditional offer, background update, criminal/driving history check, and PPE.
- Phase II includes a medical screening and final job offer.
- If you have been away for more than six months, county orientation is also required.