Fire Department · Combination
Derby Fire And Rescue
Derby, KS · Sedgwick County
Derby Fire & Rescue protects the city of Derby, a fast-growing community of roughly 25,000 in Sedgwick County just south of Wichita, Kansas. The department transitioned to a full-time city operation in 2005, building on more than five decades of prior volunteer service.
It runs as a combination department, pairing career staff with a volunteer corps. Coverage is provided from two stations: Station #81 at 715 E. Madison Ave. (which also houses Fire Administration) and Station #82 at 1401 N. Rock Rd. Full-time firefighters are supported by part-time firefighters and volunteers who staff stations and cover the community's emergency response and public-event needs.
The department is led by Fire Chief John Turner, with a Deputy Fire Chief overseeing operations alongside the career and volunteer ranks.
Derby Fire & Rescue actively recruits qualified people into its volunteer firefighter program, which is the department's publicly documented entry path. Candidates apply through the City of Derby, interview with full-time Derby Fire staff, clear a background check, and complete a Fit-for-Duty physical form before entering the recruit academy.
New recruits complete an eight-week academy (one training night per week, typically Thursday evenings) totaling 30+ hours of basic firefighter training, then must pass a physical agility test. From-scratch recruits are expected to earn a State of Kansas Firefighter I certificate within one year and an Emergency Medical Responder certification within two years.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age and a high school graduate (GED accepted)
- Fire Science Degree preferred
- Valid Kansas Driver's License and live within 30 minutes normal drive time of the closest City of Derby fire station
- IFSAC-certified Firefighter I certificate and a Hazardous Materials Operations certificate
- EMT-B certification through the Kansas Board of EMS within one year of recruit training
- Able to pass a physical agility test at the end of recruit training and annually thereafter
- Able to staff the station at least 24 hours monthly and assist with public events as needed
- Recruits starting from scratch must obtain a State of Kansas Firefighter I certificate within one year and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) within two years
Hiring process
- Submit an application through the City of Derby
- Interview with full-time Derby Fire staff
- Pass a background check (valid driver's license, no outstanding warrants)
- Complete a Fit-for-Duty form signed by a physician
- Complete the eight-week recruit training academy (30+ hours)
- Pass the physical agility test
New recruits complete an eight-week academy of one training night per week (typically Thursday evenings), totaling 30+ hours, followed by a physical agility test. From-scratch recruits earn Kansas Firefighter I within one year and EMR within two years.
What are the basic requirements to become a Derby firefighter?
You must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate (GED accepted), hold a valid Kansas Driver's License, and live within 30 minutes normal drive time of the closest City of Derby fire station. A Fire Science Degree is preferred.
What certifications do I need?
Applicants should hold an IFSAC-certified Firefighter I certificate and a Hazardous Materials Operations certificate, plus EMT-B certification through the Kansas Board of EMS within one year of recruit training. Recruits starting from scratch must earn Kansas Firefighter I within one year and EMR within two years.
What does the hiring and training process look like?
You submit an application, interview with full-time Derby Fire staff, pass a background check, and complete a physician-signed Fit-for-Duty form. Recruits then complete an eight-week academy (one training night per week, 30+ hours) and must pass a physical agility test.
How much time commitment is expected?
Volunteer firefighters are expected to staff the station at least 24 hours monthly, assist with public events as needed, and pass an annual physical agility test for those who wear air packs.
How many stations does Derby Fire & Rescue operate?
The department covers the city from two stations: Station #81 at 715 E. Madison Ave. (which also houses Fire Administration) and Station #82 at 1401 N. Rock Rd.
Is Derby a career or volunteer department?
It is a combination department. Derby has operated as a full-time city fire department since 2005, following more than 50 years as a volunteer department, and it continues to recruit volunteer firefighters alongside its career staff.