Fire Department · Career
Topeka Fire Department
Topeka, KS · Shawnee County
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Department careers page ↗The Topeka Fire Department has served Kansas's capital since 1870. Today it operates from 12 stations across the city, backed by a headquarters, a training facility, and fire prevention offices.
The department employs fewer than 250 personnel, including roughly 8 administrative and support staff. EMS runs deep here: the ranks include 203 EMTs, 26 advanced EMTs, and 9 paramedics, alongside specialized assets such as an accelerant-detection canine.
TFD frames itself as a career-professional organization with a culture built around excellence, inclusivity, and continuous growth, delivering fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services to the Topeka community.
MissionCommitted to protecting life, property, and the environment through excellence in fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services.
Topeka runs continuous firefighter recruitment through a civil-service process, with scheduled written test dates throughout the year (in 2026: January 24, April 24, July 25, and October 23). Candidates who are not already certified receive city-funded EMT training through Washburn Tech, and preference is given to EMTs, paramedics, and veterans.
Applicants must be at least 20 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, be a Kansas resident with a valid Kansas driver's license, and pass a written exam, physical abilities test, drug screen, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and background investigation before a Civil Service Commission interview. Apply through the city's employment portal.
Requirements
- At least 20 years old at date of hire
- High school diploma or GED
- Kansas resident
- Valid Kansas driver's license with an insurable driving record
- Preference given to EMTs, paramedics, and veterans (non-certified candidates receive city-funded EMT training through Washburn Tech)
Hiring process
- Pass the written examination
- Pass the physical abilities test (COTPAT or CPAT)
- Pass drug screening
- Pass polygraph examination
- Pass psychological evaluation
- Pass a thorough background investigation
- Civil Service Commission interview
Benefits
Department-provided uniforms and equipment, Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance, participation in the Kansas Police and Fire Retirement System, Fireman's Credit Union membership eligibility, and IAFF union representation. Time off includes 11 holidays, 7 Kelly Days, plus accruing vacation and sick leave.
Non-certified candidates receive city-funded EMT training through Washburn Tech.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Topeka firefighter?
You must be at least 20 years old at your hire date, have a high school diploma or GED, be a Kansas resident, and hold a valid Kansas driver's license with an insurable driving record.
Do I need to be a certified EMT before applying?
No. Preference is given to EMTs, paramedics, and veterans, but candidates who are not certified receive city-funded EMT training through Washburn Tech.
What is the starting pay?
The starting salary is $48,738.08 per year.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work 24-hour shifts, averaging about 10 days per month, with 11 holidays, 7 Kelly Days, and accruing vacation and sick leave.
How does the hiring process work?
You must pass a written exam, a physical abilities test (COTPAT or CPAT), a drug screen, a polygraph, a psychological evaluation, and a background investigation, followed by a Civil Service Commission interview.
When can I apply and test?
Recruitment is continuous, with scheduled written test dates each year. In 2026 the dates are January 24, April 24, July 25, and October 23. Apply through the city's online employment portal.