Fire Department · Career
Dekalb Fire Department
Dekalb, IL · DeKalb County
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗DeKalb Fire Department traces its roots to 1869, when it began as a volunteer hook-and-ladder company. The city hired its first four full-time paid firefighters in February 1904, and the department has grown into a fully professional operation organized into Administrative and Operations Divisions. A 24-hour shift schedule introduced in 1926 was refined in the 1950s into the 24-on/48-off rotation still used today, and in 1977 the department became one of the first 200 in the country to field paramedic-trained firefighters.
Today the department fields 72 personnel (70 sworn, 2 civilian) from four stations covering about 55 square miles, holding an ISO Class 2 rating. In addition to fire suppression and EMS, the department runs hazardous materials response, technical rescue, fire prevention and investigation, public education, and aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) coverage for DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport.
MissionThe mission of the DeKalb Fire Department is to provide the highest level of service to the citizens of DeKalb and those who visit.
DeKalb hires directly to the rank of Firefighter/Paramedic, so candidates must already hold an Illinois EMT-P license. Testing is administered through the National Testing Network and the city's Board of Fire and Police Commissioners; as of the site's latest posting the testing process is closed, with a job interest card available for notification of the next cycle.
Requirements
- U.S. citizen
- Age 21-35 (exemptions may apply)
- Valid driver's license
- High school diploma or equivalent
- State of Illinois Paramedic License (EMT-P)
- No felony convictions or crimes involving moral turpitude
- Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), including ladder climb certification within 12 months
- Pass background investigation, polygraph, psychological, and medical examinations
- Establish residency within 40 miles of Station 1 (700 Pine Street) within 15 months of hire
Hiring process
- Complete City of DeKalb application
- Complete Personnel History Questionnaire and Fire Team Exam via National Testing Network
- Oral interview with the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
- Polygraph examination
- Background investigation
- Psychological examination
- Medical examination
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; HSA and flexible spending accounts; deferred compensation with employer match; fire pension; wellness bonus; education bonus; longevity pay; clothing allowance; and paid time off. Preference points are available for Firefighter II certification, military experience, or current DeKalb residency.
What is the current firefighter/paramedic hiring status in DeKalb?
The testing process is currently closed. Interested candidates can submit a job interest card to be notified when the next recruitment opens.
What license do firefighter candidates need?
Candidates must hold a State of Illinois Paramedic License (EMT-P), since DeKalb hires directly into the combined firefighter/paramedic role.
Does the department require DeKalb residency?
New hires must establish residency within 40 miles of Station 1 (700 Pine Street) within 15 months of their start date.
Why do fire trucks sometimes respond to ambulance calls?
Fire suppression apparatus carry additional personnel and equipment that can assist with patient care and lifting, so engines are dispatched alongside ambulances on many EMS calls.
What airport does DeKalb Fire cover for ARFF?
The department provides fire protection, rescue, EMS, and hazardous materials response for DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DTMA) as part of its Special Operations Division.