Fire Department · Career
Frankfort Fire and EMS
Frankfort, KY · Franklin County
92 full-time members and 4 part-time members; 41 are licensed paramedics
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Frankfort Fire and EMS is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗Founded in 1970 as an EMS service and expanded to Advanced Life Support in October 1989, Frankfort Fire & EMS has grown into a combined fire-and-EMS department protecting Kentucky's capital city and surrounding Franklin County. The department is led by Fire Chief Johnny Carpenter and operates out of four fire stations plus an administrative office, with a new Station 1 under construction at Second and Steele Streets expected to open in fall 2026.
The department staffs 92 full-time and 4 part-time members, all of whom are certified firefighters cross-trained as EMTs, with 41 also licensed as paramedics. In 2024, crews responded to more than 9,200 EMS calls and over 1,000 fire incidents, running out of a fleet that includes a 75-foot Sutphen aerial ladder truck, with a new aerial in early construction.
Beyond structural firefighting and EMS transport, members are trained in technical rescue disciplines including hazardous materials mitigation, swift-water rescue, vehicle extrication, and rope rescue. The department also runs its own CAAHEP-accredited paramedic training program and community programs such as the Citizen's Fire Academy and CPR classes.
MissionWe protect lives and property with aggressive, smart, and up to date firefighting and EMS techniques while respecting all members of the department and the public.
Frankfort Fire & EMS hires Recruit Firefighters (no prior certification required — the department provides academy, EMT, and certification training), Lateral Firefighters, and Lateral Paramedics.
Requirements
- Recruit Firefighter: no prior fire certification required; must be physically fit with a strong work ethic
- Lateral Firefighter: Kentucky Professional Certified Firefighter I & II; currently employed by a municipal fire agency; current CPAT card (or must complete CPAT exam)
- Lateral Paramedic: Kentucky Certified Paramedic; minimum 2 years full-time experience; employed by a municipal fire/EMS agency
Hiring process
- Scan the QR code or visit the City of Frankfort's online employment portal
- Complete the employment application
- Take the written test (date announced separately)
- Undergo pre-employment screening and background checks
Recruits complete an intensive probationary training program covering fire suppression, rescue operations, hazmat mitigation, and emergency medical services.
Do I need to be a certified firefighter to apply as a recruit?
No. Recruit Firefighter positions require no prior fire certification — the department provides all training, including the recruit academy, EMT certification, and further credentials.
Can experienced firefighters and paramedics apply laterally?
Yes. Lateral Firefighters need Kentucky Firefighter I & II certification, current employment with a municipal fire agency, and a current CPAT card. Lateral Paramedics need Kentucky paramedic certification and at least 2 years of full-time experience at a municipal fire/EMS agency.
How do I apply?
Scan the QR code or visit the City of Frankfort's online employment portal to complete an application, then take a written test and complete pre-employment screening and a background check.
What types of emergencies does the department respond to?
In addition to structural firefighting and EMS transport, the department responds to hazardous materials incidents, swift-water rescues, vehicle extrications, and rope rescues.