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Fire Department · Career

Leander Fire Department

Leander, TX · Williamson County

Operates five fire stations plus the Biff Johnson Fire Administration Building and a training facility built in 2010.

Address
101 E Sonny Dr, Leander, TX, 78641 1978
11Stations

Active openings

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About Leander Fire Department

Leander Fire Department serves the City of Leander, Texas, from five fire stations plus the Biff Johnson Fire Administration Building, which also houses the Fire Marshal's office, code enforcement, and professional standards staff. A dedicated training facility built in 2010 supports ongoing firefighter development.

The department holds a Class 2 ISO Public Protection Classification, effective since January 2018, reflecting strong fire suppression capability that can help lower insurance costs for residents and businesses. On medical calls, LFD engines and squads respond alongside Williamson County EMS ambulances under a dual-response model built around dispatcher worst-case-scenario protocols.

Beyond core suppression and EMS response, the department maintains specialized capabilities including technical rescue, hazardous materials, wildland firefighting, and a drone team, along with a peer support program and community outreach efforts such as station tours and fire safety education.

MissionSaving Lives and Property with Commitment and Excellence

How to get hired

Leander hires both state-certified firefighters, who can start directly at Firefighter Step 1 after a probationary orientation, and non-certified Fire Cadets, who complete a 17-week in-house academy while earning Cadet/EMT pay before promotion to Firefighter Step 1.

PayPay follows a structured step plan; certified firefighters enter at Step 1 and Fire Cadets receive Cadet/EMT compensation during the academy. The full pay scale is published separately on the recruitment page rather than as a single annual figure.
Schedule48/96 (48 hours on duty, 96 hours off)
LateralsAccepted

Requirements

  • Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) certification and Texas DSHS EMT certification (certified-firefighter track)
  • EMT or NREMT certification, or ability to obtain one by a stated deadline (Fire Cadet track)
  • Pass a written exam (ErgoMetrics Fire TEAM) with a minimum score of 70%
  • Pass a medical exam including a minimum 12 METs VO2 Max standard
  • Pass background investigation, drug/alcohol screening, and psychological evaluation

Hiring process

  1. Application review for minimum eligibility
  2. Written exam (ErgoMetrics Fire TEAM, minimum 70%)
  3. Eligibility list ranked by score
  4. Interview
  5. Job task course
  6. Conditional offer phase: background investigation, medical exam, drug/alcohol screening, psychological evaluation, Fire Chief interview
  7. Formal offer

Benefits

TMRS retirement at a 2:1 match plus cost-of-living adjustments, wellness programs, and comprehensive benefits coverage.

Non-certified Fire Cadets complete a 17-week fire academy while receiving Cadet/EMT compensation; upon graduation and TCFP certification they are promoted to Firefighter Step 1.

Leadership & hiring contacts

Billy Wusterhausen
Fire Chief
Robert Curr
Assistant Chief / Chief of Staff
Joshua Davis
Assistant Fire Chief / Fire Marshal
Stuart Heater
Assistant Fire Chief / Assistant Chief of Support Services
Tony Anguiano
Division Chief / Executive Officer
Jamie Dickey
Administrative Manager
Joe Bob Ellison
Outreach Coordinator

Frequently asked questions

What is the Leander Fire Department's ISO rating?

Leander Fire Department holds a Class 2 ISO Public Protection Classification, effective January 1, 2018, for city residents and businesses. This rating may help reduce homeowner's insurance costs, though policyholders must notify their insurer.

Why can't I burn tree trimmings or brush within Leander city limits?

It is unlawful within city limits to intentionally, knowingly, or carelessly burn combustibles such as grass, leaves, or timber, with narrow exceptions for outdoor cooking devices, firefighter training, and approved land clearing on lots over two acres with a Fire Marshal permit.

Why do both a fire truck and an ambulance respond to a medical emergency?

Dispatchers often lack complete information when a 911 call comes in, so they use worst-case-scenario protocols: Leander Fire Department sends an engine or squad with personnel while Williamson County EMS sends a paramedic ambulance, ensuring efficient care regardless of what is found on scene.