Pasadena Fire Department to Recruit at Regional Career Expo

Aspiring firefighters from Pasadena will have an opportunity to meet department recruiters and test their physical readiness at the Southern California Firefighter Career Expo, scheduled for Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center in South El Monte.

The Pasadena Fire Department confirmed its participation in the regional event, which is organized by the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC). The department is actively recruiting new firefighter candidates and is currently accepting applications through Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, according to official city announcements. The recruitment will remain open until filled, with priority given to early applicants via the City of Pasadena’s government job portal.

The career expo, which is free and open to the public, offers hands-on activities including a practice run of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), written test preparation seminars, and live demonstrations of firefighting equipment and protocols. Attendees will also receive guidance on joining the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center’s Statewide Eligibility List, used by more than 170 departments across California.

Pasadena Fire Department recruiters will be among representatives from dozens of agencies available to discuss hiring requirements, departmental culture, and career pathways. The event also includes youth engagement activities, free refreshments, and networking opportunities with apprenticeship coordinators and veteran liaison services.

Cal-JAC, which has partnered with nearly 200 departments since its founding in the 1980s, aims to expand access to standardized firefighter training and diversify the candidate pipeline statewide. Recent expos have drawn hundreds of attendees, with a focus on outreach to underrepresented communities.

Prospective applicants interested in joining the Pasadena Fire Department are encouraged to attend the expo and visit the city’s official careers page for more information.

The expo helps participants gain practical experience and direct insights into firefighting careers. Registration is available online through Cal-JAC, https://www.caljac.org/recruitment/for-apprentices/career-expo.

After the event, participants can follow up with contacts and apply for the Statewide Eligibility List. Future written-exam seminars and mock interviews are also available through Cal-JAC.

The event takes place at 10316 Rush St. in South El Monte.