Kokomo Fire Department

Kokomo Fire Department (KFD) traces its roots to 1867, when the city's fire protection was handled by volunteers working a bucket brigade. The department professionalized in 1892 under its first paid chief, Ed Shauman, who commanded a force of four firefighters out of a station at the corner of Walnut and Union streets.

Today KFD is a full-time, career department of 89 firefighters staffing six stations across Kokomo and Center Township. Its apparatus fleet has grown from a single horse-drawn carriage to six Engine Companies (one running as an aerial), a Heavy Rescue Company, 15 support vehicles, three boats, and two reserve engines.

Beyond structural fire suppression and EMS response, KFD fields a Hazardous Emergency Response Team (HERT) that answers hazmat, trench, water, and tower emergencies across Howard County and serves as the Indiana District 6 Technical Rescue Response Team. Non-emergency divisions handle fire inspection and prevention, training, and fire investigation.

As of this writing, the Kokomo Fire Department's application process is closed. The department typically reopens hiring periodically for career firefighter positions; interested candidates should watch the recruitment page or contact the department directly for the next opening.