Fire Department · Career
Wichita Fire Department
Wichita, KS · Sedgwick County
serves Kansas's largest city
The Wichita Fire Department (WFD) protects Kansas's largest city, delivering fire suppression, rescue, emergency response, and community risk reduction from 22 firehouses spread across the metropolitan area. The department serves more than 395,000 residents and extends coverage regionally through mutual aid agreements.
WFD traces its roots to volunteer fire companies formed in 1872, becoming a professional organization in 1886. Today it is organized into two main divisions, Emergency Operations and Support Services, and operates a 25,000-square-foot Regional Training Center with configurable classrooms and modern digital technology.
Beyond emergency response, the department invests heavily in prevention and public engagement through programs like the Citizens Fire Academy, fire station tours, a Kids Summer Camp, and the Wichita Observer RideOut Program.
MissionTo provide excellent, proactive fire and life safety services through prevention, education, and protection.
Wichita hires entry-level Fire Recruits, who train in fire protection, rescue, equipment maintenance, and fire prevention education. Applications are submitted online through the City's governmentjobs.com careers portal, and candidates should watch that portal for open Fire Recruit postings.
The department looks for candidates with strength, courage, common sense, problem-solving skills, and a genuine willingness to help others. As a City of Wichita position, applicants must live within Wichita or within 30 minutes' driving time and pass a job-related criminal history review; veterans' preference is available with a DD-214.
Requirements
- Willingness to help others, plus strength, courage, common sense, and problem-solving skills
- Must live within Wichita or within 30 minutes' driving time of the city
- Pass a criminal history review for job-related offenses
Hiring process
- Create an account on governmentjobs.com
- Find and select the Fire Recruit posting and click Apply
- Submit the application with all required documents
Benefits
City of Wichita employee benefits are available; specific details are provided through the City's Employee Benefits page.
Fire Recruits train at the WFD Regional Training Center, a 25,000-square-foot facility with configurable classrooms and digital technology.
What firefighter position does Wichita hire for?
The department hires entry-level Fire Recruits, who are trained in fire protection, rescue activities, equipment maintenance, and fire prevention education.
How do I apply to become a Wichita firefighter?
Applications are submitted online through the City of Wichita's careers portal on governmentjobs.com. Create an account, select the Fire Recruit posting, and submit your application with the required documents.
Is there a residency requirement?
Yes. As a City of Wichita position, applicants must live within Wichita or within 30 minutes' driving time of the city.
What qualities does the department look for in candidates?
The department seeks candidates with strength, courage, common sense, problem-solving skills, and a genuine willingness to help others.
Where do recruits train?
Recruits train at the WFD Regional Training Center, a 25,000-square-foot facility with configurable classrooms and modern digital technology.
Is veterans' preference available?
Yes. Veterans' preference is available for qualifying applicants who submit a DD-214.