Which type of fire department is continually staffed by full-time firefighters?

A career department is one that is staffed 24/7 by full-time firefighters who are employed by the fire department. This type of department is focused on providing professional fire protection services to the community at all times, ensuring that trained personnel are always available to respond to emergencies. Firefighters in career departments typically undergo extensive training and may pursue additional certifications to enhance their skills.

This setup contrasts with volunteer departments, where firefighters may have other primary jobs and respond as needed, potentially leading to gaps in staffing during less active times. Combination departments, which include both career and volunteer firefighters, may have part-time or on-call staffing, so they are not exclusively staffed by full-time personnel. While a municipal department refers to a fire department operated by a city or town, it can include various staffing models, including volunteer or combination structures, and is not specific to full-time staffing. Thus, the career department is the most precise choice for a fire department that is continually staffed by full-time firefighters.