Fire Department · Career
Kansas City Fire Department
Kansas City, KS · Wyandotte County
The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD) provides fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical service to the residents of Kansas City, Kansas, operating as part of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas.
The city is protected by 18 fire stations, four of which are double houses staffed with both a pumper and a ladder truck. Fire suppression and Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergency and non-emergency response are available from all 18 stations. Firefighters answer more than 26,000 calls for service annually with an overall average response time of under four minutes.
KCKFD runs a fully fire-based EMS system: personnel work in a cross-trained, dual-role capacity as Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics, and the department staffs nine ALS ambulances around the clock (with up to three additional cross-staffed units available). It launched the second ALS ambulance service in Kansas back in 1974, and today its Fire Communications division also dispatches fire and medical calls for the neighboring cities of Edwardsville and Bonner Springs.
The department has long been a regional leader in specialized response, fielding the area's first Hazardous Materials Unit and maintaining heavy/technical rescue, confined space, water, and high-angle rescue teams, along with participation in the Kansas City metro UASI teams. Its WYCO Care Connect community paramedicine program partners with Vibrant Health to reduce non-emergent use of emergency medical services.
KCKFD hires firefighters through the Unified Government's Human Resources Department, which posts openings for Firefighter/EMT, Firefighter/Pending Paramedic, and Firefighter/Paramedic positions. Applications are only accepted for currently posted positions and must be submitted complete with all required documents (transcripts, birth certificate, etc.) before the posting closes; candidates can apply online at www.wycokck.org or in person at HR. Prospective applicants can sign up on the department careers page to be notified of future openings.
Selection includes a written examination and a physical ability examination; applicants who pass both may proceed to a preliminary interview, background check, and a Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) evaluation. All new firefighters attend the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department Fire Academy, and a $5,000 sign-on bonus is paid by the end of the academy.
Requirements
- United States citizen
- At least 19 years of age by date of hire
- Valid, unrestricted driver's license
- Good moral character
- Vision of at least 20/100 correctable to 20/30
- Firefighter/EMT: current Kansas EMT certification (or National Registry certification, converted to Kansas within 60 days) by the start of the Fire Academy
- Firefighter/EMTs must complete an accredited Paramedic Program and obtain paramedic certification within four years of employment
- Firefighter/Paramedic applicants: current Kansas (or National Registry) Paramedic certification plus current ACLS certification
- Submit official high school transcript/GED, any college transcripts, and a state-certified birth certificate with the application
Hiring process
- Apply for a posted firefighter position during the posting window (online at www.wycokck.org or in person at Human Resources) with all required documents
- Pass the written examination
- Pass the physical ability examination
- Preliminary interview
- Background check
- Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) evaluation
- Attend the KCKFD Fire Academy
Benefits
New firefighters receive a $5,000 sign-on bonus, paid by the end of the KCKFD Fire Academy. Firefighter/EMTs who enroll in an accredited paramedic program receive an additional 9% added to their base wage. Positions are with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas.
All recruits attend the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department Fire Academy; the $5,000 sign-on bonus is paid by the end of the academy. Firefighter/EMTs must complete an accredited paramedic program within four years of employment.
What are the basic requirements to become a KCKFD firefighter?
You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 19 years of age by date of hire, hold a valid unrestricted driver's license, be of good moral character, and have vision of at least 20/100 correctable to 20/30. EMT certification (Kansas or National Registry) is required by the start of the Fire Academy for Firefighter/EMT positions.
Do I need to be a paramedic to apply?
Not necessarily. The department hires Firefighter/EMT, Firefighter/Pending Paramedic, and Firefighter/Paramedic. Firefighter/EMTs must complete an accredited paramedic program and obtain paramedic certification within four years of employment, earning an additional 9% base pay once enrolled.
What does the hiring process involve?
After applying to a posted position with all required documents, candidates take a written examination and a physical ability examination. Those who pass both may advance to a preliminary interview, background check, and a Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) evaluation, then attend the Fire Academy.
How much does a KCKFD firefighter earn?
Per a 2022 posting, Firefighter/EMT starting pay is about $3,802.73/month and Firefighter/Paramedic about $5,202.32/month (including a 9% paramedic incentive), rising to about $7,793.41/month after two years. A $5,000 sign-on bonus is paid by the end of the Fire Academy.
How do I apply?
Applications are only accepted for currently posted positions. Apply online at www.wycokck.org or in person at the Unified Government Human Resources Department, 701 N. 7th Street, Rm. 646, Kansas City, KS. You can also sign up on the KCKFD careers page to be notified when the department is hiring.
What could disqualify me?
Disqualifiers noted in the department's posting include a DUI within the last 3 years, multiple DUIs, illicit drug use within the last 3 years (excluding marijuana and alcohol) or sale of any illicit drug, falsification of documentation, and any felony conviction.