Fire Department · Combination
Geary County Rural Fire
Junction City, KS · Geary County
All-volunteer department covering the rural, unincorporated areas of Geary County.
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Geary County Rural Fire is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗Geary County Rural Fire Department is a volunteer department that covers the unincorporated, rural portions of Geary County, Kansas, outside Junction City proper. The southeastern corner of the county is instead handled by the Alta Vista Rural Fire Department and Dwight Fire District, while the department's Milford Township division also provides first-responder medical coverage at the EMT level or higher for that area and the City of Milford.
The department runs 16 apparatus out of 9 stations positioned throughout the county so that volunteer crews are close to the areas they serve. In 2024 the department answered 106 fire and medical emergency calls, with an average response time of roughly 9 minutes 54 seconds. Beyond fire suppression and emergency medical first response, the department administers the county's agricultural, residential, and recreational burn permit program and enforces burn-ban restrictions issued through the National Weather Service.
Leadership and day-to-day administration run out of the county's Emergency Management office at 236 E 8th Street in Junction City, where residents can also pick up volunteer firefighter applications.
MissionTo save lives, protect property, and strengthen our community with professionalism, courage, and dedication.
The department is continually looking for male and female rural residents of Geary County to serve as volunteer firefighters. Because fire units are stationed throughout the rural parts of the county, volunteers are asked to live in those rural areas rather than in Junction City proper.
Requirements
- Must be a rural resident of Geary County (fire units are stationed in the rural areas of the county)
Hiring process
- Complete the Fire Department Application (PDF)
- Drop off or submit the application at the department office, 236 E 8th Street, Junction City, or contact Fire Chief Garry Berges directly
Volunteer firefighters attend monthly training sessions to build confidence and proficiency in field operations.
What area does Geary County Rural Fire Department cover?
It serves the rural, unincorporated areas of Geary County, excluding the southeast portion of the county, which is covered by the Alta Vista Rural Fire Department and Dwight Fire District.
How many stations and trucks does the department operate?
The department operates 16 trucks out of 9 stations located throughout Geary County.
How do I become a volunteer firefighter?
Rural residents of Geary County, male or female, can apply by completing the Fire Department Application (PDF) and submitting it to the department office at 236 E 8th Street, Junction City, or by contacting Fire Chief Garry Berges directly.
How do I get a burn permit or check for a burn ban?
Residents must call Geary County Emergency Management at 785-238-1290 before burning to obtain a permit number and report burn details; daily burn-ban status is determined using National Weather Service conditions.