Fire Department · Career
Elkhart Fire Department
Elkhart, IN · Elkhart County
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Elkhart Fire Department has served the city since 1867, growing into a 157-member full-career department covering more than 30 square miles from seven stations. Its firefighters cross-train across fire suppression, advanced life support EMS, hazardous materials response, and technical and water rescue, reflecting a department that treats every member as a multi-disciplined responder rather than a single-role specialist. The department's ISO Class 2 protection rating, earned in 2017, places it among the higher-rated fire agencies in the state.
Beyond core suppression and EMS, Elkhart Fire runs a Whole Blood Program that lets field paramedics administer blood transfusions to critically injured patients, a capability the department says puts it among the leading EMS agencies in Indiana. Its Special Operations team handles confined space, structural collapse, trench, high-angle rope, and water/ice rescue, backed by dedicated specialty rigs and a three-story live-fire burn tower used for recruit academy and advanced fireground training. A new Station 6 is under construction and expected to open in late 2026.
Missionpreserve life, protect property and safeguard communities through relentless commitment to emergency preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery
Elkhart Fire Department hires firefighters through a citywide competitive process that runs roughly every two years, rather than on a rolling basis. Candidates move through an online application, written exam, CPAT-style physical agility test, an interview panel with the Fire Chief, and a medical and psychological evaluation before receiving a conditional offer and hire date.
Hiring process
- Submit the online application
- Complete a written exam, administered online
- Pass a Physical Agility Test (Stair Climber, Hose Drag, Equipment Carry, Ladder Raise and Extension, Forcible Entry, Search, Rescue, Ceiling Breach and Pull) in a 50-lb vest with an additional 25 lbs during the stair climber, within 10 minutes 20 seconds
- Interview with the Fire Chief, designees, and a city representative
- Complete a medical exam and psychological evaluation after a conditional employment letter is issued
- Receive a hire date upon successful completion of all steps
Recruits train at the department's three-story live-fire burn tower as part of the Training Division's recruit academy and ongoing fireground operations instruction.
How do I become a firefighter with Elkhart Fire Department?
Applicants complete an online application, a written exam, a timed physical agility test (CPAT-style course in under 10 minutes 20 seconds), an interview with the Fire Chief and city representatives, and a medical and psychological evaluation before receiving a conditional offer and hire date.
Is Elkhart Fire Department hiring right now?
The department's hiring process is currently closed. It runs approximately every two years, with the next process anticipated to begin around June/July 2027.
What is the physical test like for Elkhart firefighter applicants?
Candidates must complete a course including a stair climber, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, and ceiling breach and pull, wearing a 50-lb vest (plus an extra 25 lbs on the shoulders during the stair climber), all within 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
What specialty teams does Elkhart Fire Department operate?
Elkhart Fire Department fields a Hazardous Materials Team, a Technical Rescue Team (confined space, structural collapse, trench, high-angle rope, and water/ice rescue), and cross-staffed ARFF and wildland response capability, alongside its EMS Whole Blood Program.
How many stations does Elkhart Fire Department operate?
The department operates seven stations across more than 30 square miles, including a new Station 6 under construction and expected to finish in late 2026.