Fire Department · Combination
Consolidated Fire District #1
Lawrence, KS · Douglas County
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Department careers page ↗Consolidated Fire District #1 was created in June 2020 when five long-standing community fire departments in Douglas County -- Wakarusa, Eudora, Kanwaka, Lecompton, and Clinton -- merged into a single district, beginning unified operations on January 1, 2021. The district provides fire suppression and emergency medical response across central and northern Douglas County, an area that includes stretches of major highway and two lakes.
CFD#1 runs a hybrid staffing model built around a small full-time cadre supported by a large volunteer force operating out of ten stations. Alongside emergency response, the district runs community-facing programs such as CPR instruction, Stop the Bleed training, public education, and outreach events like Touch-A-Truck.
The district is one of three fire districts serving Douglas County and is administratively organized under Douglas County government, with its main station and administrative office in Lawrence.
MissionNon Sibi Sed Omnibus (Not for one's self, but for all)
CFD#1 relies primarily on a large volunteer firefighter/EMS corps (45+ volunteers) supporting its 6 full-time staff. Volunteer recruits complete a background check, interview, and work physical/drug screen before joining, then attend the CFD#1 Recruit Academy within their first year to earn Firefighter 1 certification and Kansas EMS certification. Full-time positions, when open, are posted through Douglas County's central job openings page rather than the district's own site.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or INS-approved status
- Valid driver's license
- Pass a background check including driving record review
- Pass a work fitness physical and drug screen from a Douglas County approved provider
Hiring process
- Complete and submit the volunteer application
- Background and driving record check
- Interview with current members and officers
- Work physical and drug screen if recommended
- Accepted as a volunteer/recruit for the next academy class
Recruits must complete the CFD#1 Recruit Academy within their first year, earning Firefighter 1 certification and Kansas Board of EMS certification; academy and classroom hours count toward the required 36 hours per month.
When was Consolidated Fire District #1 formed?
CFD#1 was established in June 2020 through the consolidation of five separate Douglas County fire departments -- Wakarusa, Eudora, Kanwaka, Lecompton, and Clinton -- with unified operations beginning January 1, 2021.
How large an area does CFD#1 cover?
The district covers 228 square miles of central and northern Douglas County, Kansas, including portions of major highways and two lakes.
How many stations does CFD#1 operate?
CFD#1 operates 10 stations throughout the district; the main station in Lawrence is staffed 24/7 while most others house apparatus for volunteer responders.
How can I become a volunteer firefighter with CFD#1?
Applicants must be at least 18, hold a valid driver's license, pass a background and driving record check, interview with current members and officers, and pass a work physical and drug screen. Accepted recruits complete the CFD#1 Recruit Academy within their first year.
Are there full-time firefighter jobs at CFD#1?
CFD#1 is staffed mainly by 6 full-time employees and 45+ volunteers; when full-time openings exist, they are posted on Douglas County's central job openings page.