Fire Department · Career
Olathe Fire Department
Olathe, KS · Johnson County
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Department careers page ↗Olathe Fire Department traces its roots to 1871, when the City Council formed the Olathe Hook & Ladder Company after a string of fires destroyed buildings on the town square. The department operated with a paid chief and volunteer firefighters for decades before hiring its first full-time crew in 1950, and three Olathe firefighters have died in the line of duty: Alfred "Dub" Phillips (1932), Ernest "Ernie" Prather (1954), and Bill Bingham (1975).
Today OFD runs fire suppression and EMS out of eight fire stations plus a dedicated training academy, with every firefighter cross-trained as an EMT or paramedic. The department is one of just over 100 agencies worldwide accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) while also holding an ISO Class 1 rating, and its Special Operations Group provides technical rescue (trench, confined space, swift water, building collapse), hazardous materials response, and explosive ordnance disposal, including participation in a regional technical-rescue partnership with Kansas City-area departments.
Olathe firefighters respond to fire alarms, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and technical rescue calls, and also handle fire prevention activities, training, and station/apparatus maintenance.
Requirements
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Valid driver's license
- High school diploma or GED
- DD214, if prior military service
- College transcript(s), if applicable
- Current Kansas and/or National Registry EMT or Paramedic certification
- Firefighter I or II certificates (preferred)
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification (current at time of employment offer)
- Fire Service Entrance Exam (FSEE) certification (current at time of employment offer)
- Must be available to work rotating shifts (24-hour, 10-hour, or 8-hour based on department needs)
Hiring process
- Complete application and supplement
- Verification of EMT or EMT-P certification
- Criminal history and driver's license check
- Oral board interview
- Background and reference check investigation
- Job fit analysis evaluation
- Interview with the fire chief
- Conditional offer of employment
- Post-offer employment physical exam and drug screen
How many fire stations does Olathe Fire Department operate?
Olathe Fire Department operates eight fire stations plus a dedicated Fire Academy and a Fire Administration building.
Is Olathe Fire Department accredited?
Yes. Olathe Fire is one of just over 100 agencies worldwide accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), and it is also designated an ISO Class 1 community.
Do Olathe firefighters provide EMS?
Yes. Every Olathe firefighter is an EMT or paramedic, providing basic and advanced life support, and the department works closely with Johnson County Med-Act for emergency medical care.
What certifications are required to apply?
Applicants need a valid driver's license, a high school diploma or GED, current Kansas and/or National Registry EMT or Paramedic certification, and CPAT and FSEE certification current at the time of any employment offer; Firefighter I or II certification is preferred.
What technical rescue capabilities does the department have?
Olathe's Special Operations Group performs technical rescues including trench, confined space, swift water, and building collapse, and participates in a regional rescue initiative with Kansas City-area fire departments. The department also fields a hazardous materials team and an explosive ordnance disposal (bomb squad) team.