Fire Department · Combination
Oak Forest Fire Department
Oak Forest, IL · Cook County
The Oak Forest Fire Department protects a south-suburban Chicago community from two stations, providing 24-hour fire protection and paramedic-level emergency medical service. Every member except administrative staff is a licensed paramedic, so ambulances and engines alike arrive ready to begin advanced medical care.
The career staff is organized under a fire chief and deputy chief, with captains and lieutenants leading shifts of firefighter-paramedics, supported by part-time personnel and administrative assistants. The department responded to nearly 4,000 calls in 2021 and holds an ISO Class 3 rating.
Beyond day-to-day response, the department participates in regional cooperation through M.A.B.A.S. Division 24 and contributes members to specialized teams including technical rescue, hazardous materials, a dive team, and an arson task force.
Founded in 1945 as a volunteer company funded by community donations, Oak Forest transitioned to career service beginning in 1969 and has grown into a fully paramedic-staffed operation rooted in a long local history.
Mission"Protecting Our Community"
Full-time firefighter hiring at Oak Forest is administered by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners and runs on a roughly two-year cycle, hiring qualified candidates as needed through a highly competitive process. Candidates should watch the city's employment page for open testing periods.
The department also recruits part-time certified firefighter/paramedics on a continuous, open-until-filled basis. Applicants download the city's employment application or email a resume to the employment contact; questions can be directed to City Hall.
Requirements
- Certified firefighter credentials (for part-time positions)
- Licensed paramedic (all operational members are paramedics)
- Pass a written examination
- Pass a physical agility test
- Pass a psychological evaluation
- Complete a background questionnaire and interviews
Hiring process
- Written examination
- Physical agility test
- Psychological evaluation
- Background questionnaire
- Interviews
Emergency medical services coursework (EMT and paramedic training) is offered through local hospitals.
How do I become a full-time firefighter in Oak Forest?
The department hires qualified individuals as needed through a highly competitive selection process that occurs about every two years. The process includes a written exam, physical agility test, psychological evaluation, a background questionnaire, and interviews.
Are part-time firefighter positions available?
Yes. The department recruits part-time certified firefighter/paramedics on an open-until-filled basis. The posted hourly rate is $20.
Do I need to be a paramedic?
All operational members are paramedics. All firefighters are cross-trained paramedics, so EMS certification is central to the role.
Where can I get the EMT or paramedic training I need?
All relevant emergency medical services coursework is offered through local hospitals.
How do I apply?
Download the city's employment application from the Form Center or email a resume to the employment contact (bparfitt@oak-forest.org). You can also contact City Hall at 708-687-4050.
What shift schedule does the department work?
Firefighters work 24-hour shifts, during which they train, conduct fire inspections, maintain equipment, teach fire safety, and handle station responsibilities.