Fire Department · Combination
City Of Russell Fire Department
Russell, KS · Russell County
The City of Russell Fire Department has served central Kansas since 1889, operating out of one downtown station at 133 West 8th Street. It is led by a single career Fire Chief supported by roughly 20 volunteer and part-time firefighters organized into a full officer structure of deputy and assistant chiefs, captains, and lieutenants.
The department provides structural fire protection inside Russell city limits and extends rescue, hazardous materials, and backup EMS, water rescue, and technical rescue coverage countywide, including Lake Wilson. Members also run community services at no charge, such as business pre-plans, life safety inspections, smoke detector installations, and CPR and first aid instruction.
Every member is trained to a minimum of Firefighter 1, with instruction delivered by nationally certified instructors in partnership with the University of Kansas. Training runs weekly on Wednesday evenings plus select weekends.
The department recruits firefighters through the City of Russell's employment portal. Interested candidates are directed to contact Fire Chief Dylan Riedel and submit the city's Application for Employment.
The department also runs a Fire Explorer Program for high school students ages 14 to 18, which introduces fire chemistry, hose and ladder work, CPR and medical certification, hazmat, and vehicle extrication as a pathway into the fire service.
Requirements
- Minimum Firefighter 1 certification (all members are trained to this level)
Hiring process
- Contact Fire Chief Dylan Riedel
- Submit the City of Russell Application for Employment through the city's employment portal
All members are trained to a minimum of Firefighter 1 by nationally certified instructors in partnership with the University of Kansas; training is held weekly on Wednesdays plus select weekends.
How do I apply to become a firefighter in Russell?
Contact Fire Chief Dylan Riedel and submit the City of Russell Application for Employment through the city's employment portal.
What certification do I need?
Every member is trained to a minimum of Firefighter 1. Training is provided by nationally certified instructors in partnership with the University of Kansas.
Is this a paid or volunteer department?
The department is led by one career Fire Chief and staffed by roughly 20 volunteer and part-time firefighters across ranks from Probationary Firefighter to Driver Operator.
When does the department train?
Training is held weekly on Wednesday evenings plus select weekends.
Is there a youth pathway into the fire service?
Yes. The Fire Explorer Program is open to high school students ages 14 to 18 and covers fire chemistry, hose and ladder operations, CPR and medical certification, hazmat, and vehicle extrication. Contact Chief Riedel or Assistant Chief Jacob Boxberger to enroll.