Fire Department · Career
Elgin Fire Department
Elgin, IL · Kane County
Fleet includes 4 engines, 3 quints, and 6 ALS-equipped ambulances.
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Elgin Fire Department is an all-hazards emergency response agency tracing part of its history to the historic Fire Barn No. 5, built in 1903. Today the department operates seven stations, headquartered at Station 1, staffed by 144 sworn firefighters who protect more than 112,000 residents across roughly 39 square miles in northeastern Illinois. Elgin's coverage area includes Interstate 90, Routes 20, 31, and 25, a METRA rail line, two hospitals, two colleges, and a gaming facility.
The department's fleet includes four engines, three quints, and six ALS-equipped ambulances, and it answers more than 16,000 calls for service each year. Elgin holds an ISO Class II rating, placing it among the top 3.5% of fire departments nationally. Training, EMS, and fire prevention/community risk reduction operate as dedicated divisions, alongside a fire investigation unit that runs around the clock.
Beyond structural firefighting, Elgin fields a Water Rescue & Recovery team established in 1976, along with technical rescue (trench, structural collapse, confined space) and hazardous materials response capabilities. The department also runs Explorer Post 439, introducing local youth to fire service careers, and conducts community risk reduction education in schools and businesses.
Missionto provide a safe community through the prevention and mitigation of emergencies in a professional and caring manner.
The Elgin Fire Department hires entry-level firefighter/EMTs through the City of Elgin's governmentjobs.com careers portal, with written and physical (CPAT) testing administered by an outside contractor, Public Safety Answers. Candidates must hold an EMT-Basic or EMT-Paramedic license by their hire date, along with a current CPAT card and Ladder Certification. A preference-point system awards bonus points for Fire/Police Explorer Program experience, higher education, military service, City of Elgin residency, and prior firefighter or paramedic experience.
Requirements
- 21 to 35 years old by the application closing date (up to 40 for honorably discharged military veterans; 19+ with 3+ years and 100+ volunteer hours in the Fire/Police Explorer Program)
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- EMT-Basic or EMT-Paramedic license required by date of hire
- Valid CPAT card and Ladder Certification
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, work-authorized, or DACA recipient
Hiring process
- Apply online through the City of Elgin's governmentjobs.com careers portal
- Submit required documents: driver's license, birth certificate or work authorization, high school diploma/GED, and DD214 if applicable
- Complete written and physical (CPAT) testing administered by Public Safety Answers
- Earn preference points for Explorer Program service, education, military service, residency, and prior certifications toward final ranking
How do I become a firefighter with the Elgin Fire Department?
Applicants apply online through the City of Elgin's governmentjobs.com careers portal, then complete written and physical (CPAT) testing administered by an outside contractor, Public Safety Answers, before being ranked using the department's preference-point system.
What are the requirements to apply to Elgin Fire Department?
Candidates must generally be 21 to 35 years old (up to 40 for honorably discharged veterans, or 19+ for qualifying Fire/Police Explorer Program members), hold a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license, and have an EMT-Basic or EMT-Paramedic license, CPAT card, and Ladder Certification by the date of hire.
Does Elgin Fire Department hire paramedics or give credit for prior firefighter experience?
Candidates can earn up to five preference points in the hiring process for prior firefighter certifications or paramedic experience, in addition to points for education, military service, and City of Elgin residency.
What does the Elgin Fire Department do besides respond to fires?
Elgin is an all-hazards agency providing EMS with ALS-equipped ambulances, technical rescue (trench, structural collapse, confined space), hazardous materials response, a Water Rescue & Recovery team dating to 1976, 24/7 fire investigation, and community risk reduction education.