Fire Department · Career
Columbus IN Fire
Columbus, IN · Bartholomew County
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Department careers page ↗Columbus Fire Department traces its roots to 1835, when the newly incorporated town of Columbus formed a volunteer fire brigade. The department grew alongside the city through the late 1800s and early 1900s, adding paid staff, motorizing its apparatus, and expanding from a single downtown fire house to a citywide network of stations.
Today the department runs six fire stations covering roughly 28 square miles and about 50,000 residents in Bartholomew County, staffed by 95 sworn career firefighters and 2 civilian employees working three duty crews around the clock. Alongside structural firefighting, crews provide EMS response and rescue services to the community.
Columbus Fire Department recruits entry-level firefighters through a multi-stage testing process that includes written and physical agility exams, and it offers incentive pay for paramedic certification, military service, and college coursework — reflecting an emphasis on cross-trained, career-track personnel.
MissionColumbus Fire Department is committed to providing the highest level public safety services for our community.
Columbus Fire Department hires entry-level firefighters through a competitive, multi-step process that combines written testing, physical performance standards, and thorough background and medical screening. Paramedic certification, prior firefighting experience, college coursework, and military service are viewed favorably though not required.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver's license
- Between 18 and 40 years old at time of swearing-in
- Current CPAT card (active within the last 12 months)
- Complete a 1.5-mile run in 16:28 or better
- Complete a 100-foot ladder climb
Hiring process
- Written aptitude test
- Physical agility testing (CPAT) and 1.5-mile run
- 100-foot ladder climb
- Multiple interviews
- Background investigation
- Psychological evaluation
- Medical evaluation
Benefits
Benefits include overtime and longevity pay, health and life insurance with a free employee clinic, PERF pension participation, an annual clothing allowance, progressive vacation and paid holidays, an Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs. Incentive pay is available for military service, college credit, and paramedic certification.
How do I become a firefighter with Columbus Fire Department?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens between 18 and 40 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. Candidates complete a hiring process that includes a written aptitude test, physical agility testing (including a current CPAT card, a 1.5-mile run in 16:28 or better, and a 100-foot ladder climb), multiple interviews, a background investigation, a psychological evaluation, and a medical evaluation. Apply through columbus.in.gov/jobs.
What are the requirements to apply to Columbus Fire Department?
Applicants need U.S. citizenship, a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and must be between 18 and 40 years old at the time of swearing-in. A current CPAT card is required for physical testing. College education, paramedic certification, prior firefighting experience, and military service can strengthen an application, though they are not required.
What does Columbus Fire Department pay firefighters?
The 2026 entry-level salary is $70,733, with a pension base pay of $95,979.60. The department also offers incentive pay for paramedic certification, military service, and college credit, plus overtime and longevity pay.
How many stations and firefighters does Columbus Fire Department have?
Columbus Fire Department operates six fire stations covering about 28 square miles and serving roughly 50,000 residents, staffed by 95 sworn career firefighters and 2 civilian employees working three duty crews.
Does Columbus Fire Department hire paramedics?
Yes. The department provides EMS response alongside firefighting and offers a paramedic incentive pay of $3,000 annually for certified personnel.