Fire Department · Combination
Overland Park Fire Department
Overland Park, KS · Johnson County
222 total paid employees across 9 traditional fire stations and 2 squad houses, run out of a combined training center/administration building.
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Founded in 1919 as a volunteer organization, the Overland Park Fire Department has grown into a fully career, all-hazards agency covering more than 122 square miles and roughly 224,000 residents across Overland Park, Merriam, and adjacent parts of southern Johnson and northern Miami counties. The department operates nine traditional fire stations plus two squad houses out of a combined administration and training center on Hemlock Street.
OPFD firefighters and firemedics respond to fire suppression, EMS, hazardous materials, high-angle rescue, and swift-water technical rescue calls, answering more than 25,000 calls a year. The department holds a Class 1 ISO Public Protection Classification, the highest rating available, and is accredited through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.
MissionA value driven team of dedicated professionals committed to providing emergency, educational and specialized services for the purpose of saving lives and reducing property loss for the community we serve.
OPFD hires firefighters and fire medics through a preapproved, invitation-based testing process. Candidates must hold all required Kansas fire and EMS certifications before applying, then complete testing, an interview, and a background check; new hires attend a seven-week department academy. There is no city or state residency requirement, and applicants with prior fire/EMS experience can be placed higher on the pay step plan.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record
- Kansas Firefighter I & II certification, or equivalent IFSAC/Pro Board certification
- Hazmat Operations certification (Kansas or equivalent IFSAC/Pro Board)
- NREMT or Kansas EMT certification (EMT-P required for Fire Medic candidates)
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) passed within one year of employment
- No city or state residency requirement
- City nepotism policy restricts hiring of immediate family of current City employees or board/commission members
Hiring process
- Obtain required certifications (Firefighter I & II, Hazmat Operations, NREMT/Kansas EMT) before applying
- Apply during an open, invitation-based testing window
- Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within one year of hire
- Complete an interview and background check
- Attend the seven-week OPFD academy upon hire
Benefits
Commissioned members participate in the Kansas Police & Fire (KP&F) retirement system, a defined-benefit pension with an automatic 7.15% pre-tax employee contribution, 4% annual interest, disability and death benefits from day one, and guaranteed retirement benefits after 15 years of service. The City also provides retiree health and dental coverage based on years of service.
New hires complete a seven-week OPFD academy that refreshes core firefighting and EMS skills and covers department-specific procedures.
What is the Overland Park Fire Department's mission?
"A value driven team of dedicated professionals committed to providing emergency, educational and specialized services for the purpose of saving lives and reducing property loss for the community we serve."
What are the minimum requirements to become an OPFD firefighter?
Candidates must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, have Kansas Firefighter I & II and Hazmat Operations certification (or equivalent), hold NREMT or Kansas EMT certification (EMT-P for Fire Medic candidates), pass the CPAT within a year of hire, and have a valid, insurable driver's license. There is no city or state residency requirement.
Does OPFD accept lateral hires with prior experience?
Yes. The department considers prior fire/EMS experience and income for placement on its pay step plan — qualifying firefighters can be placed up to Step 4 and Fire Medics/Paramedics up to Step 2.
How many stations does OPFD operate?
Nine traditional fire stations plus two squad houses, run out of a combined training center and administration building on Hemlock Street.
What is the department's ISO rating?
ISO Class 1, the highest Public Protection Classification available.