Fire Department · Career
City Of Kalamazoo Department Of Public Safety
Kalamazoo, MI · Kalamazoo County
KDPS is a combined police/fire/EMS department of more than 250 employees. Its Operations Division fields ten fire apparatus (seven engines, three ladder trucks, three EMS response vehicles) out of five fire stations, part of six neighborhood substations p
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Department careers page ↗The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is a combined public safety agency that merges police, fire, and emergency medical response into a single organization serving the City of Kalamazoo. More than 250 employees carry out this unified mission, with cross-trained Public Safety Officers responding to calls that range from structure fires and medical emergencies to law enforcement incidents, backed by specialized assignments in criminal investigation, K-9, SWAT, and the Honor Guard.
On the fire side, the department's Fire Marshal's Office conducts fire code inspections and pre-incident surveys across more than 3,000 businesses and multi-residential properties in the city, reviews site plans for new construction, and investigates suspicious, high-loss, or fatal fires. The Operations Division fields ten pieces of fire apparatus — seven engines, three ladder trucks, and three EMS response vehicles — out of five fire stations, part of a network of six neighborhood substations plus headquarters, and together with police and EMS operations responds to roughly 95,000 calls for service a year.
KDPS builds its firefighter/police ranks through the Public Safety Officer model: new hires need no prior certification and are sponsored through the police academy plus fire and EMS training, while already-certified firefighters and police officers can apply anytime through a dedicated lateral process, carry over up to three years of experience toward the wage scale, and collect a $15,000 hiring bonus. Officers can later advance into roles such as Fire Marshal, Technical Rescue Team member, Training Officer, or Honor Guard member.
MissionIn partnership with the community, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all by providing professional police, fire and EMS service to the residents and visitors of Kalamazoo.
KDPS hires firefighter/police cross-trained Public Safety Officers during periodic recruitment windows, with no prior certification required, and accepts already-certified firefighters and police officers on a continuous lateral basis.
Requirements
- U.S. citizen
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Valid driver's license
- 21 years old at time of appointment
- Pass a written examination
- Pass a physical ability test
- Pass an extensive background investigation
Hiring process
- Complete a Job Interest Card for "Public Safety Officer" during an open recruiting period (certified firefighters/police officers may instead apply anytime under the "Certified Process Only" track)
- Pass the written examination
- Pass the physical ability test
- Complete an extensive background investigation
- Sponsored through the police academy plus fire/EMS training if not already certified
Benefits
Defined benefit pension plan, $5,000 annual residency bonus, tuition reimbursement program, eligibility for the federal Direct Student Loan Forgiveness Program, Spanish language bonus, veteran on-the-job training education benefit, and a $15,000 hiring incentive plus credit for up to three years of prior experience for certified lateral firefighters/police officers.
Applicants without prior certification are sponsored through the police academy and provided fire/EMS training by KDPS at no cost to the recruit.
How do I become a firefighter with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety?
KDPS firefighters serve as cross-trained Public Safety Officers. During open recruiting periods, candidates complete a Job Interest Card for "Public Safety Officer" — no prior police, fire, or medical certification is required, since KDPS sponsors new hires through the police academy and provides fire/EMS training.
What are the requirements to apply to KDPS?
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, hold a high school diploma or GED, have a valid driver's license, and be 21 years old at time of appointment. Candidates must also pass a written test, a physical ability test, and an extensive background investigation.
Does KDPS hire lateral transfers from other fire or police departments?
Yes. Currently employed, in-good-standing police officers and/or full-time firefighters/medical first responders can apply anytime through the "Certified Process Only" track, carry over up to three years of experience toward the current wage scale, and receive a $15,000 hiring bonus.
What benefits does KDPS offer Public Safety Officers?
Benefits include a defined benefit pension plan, a $5,000 annual residency bonus, a tuition reimbursement program, eligibility for the federal Direct Student Loan Forgiveness Program, a Spanish language bonus, and a veteran on-the-job training education benefit.
How many fire stations and apparatus does KDPS operate?
KDPS's Operations Division fields ten fire apparatus — seven engines, three ladder trucks, and three EMS response vehicles — out of five fire stations, part of a network of six neighborhood substations plus headquarters, responding to roughly 95,000 combined police/fire/EMS calls for service each year.