Battle Creek Fire Department

The Battle Creek Fire Department is a full-time career department staffed by 72 firefighters assigned to three 24-hour shifts, supported by a fire chief, three battalion chiefs, a fire marshal, and a training officer. The department operates six stations across the city, with administrative offices at Station 1 on East Michigan Avenue.

At any given time the department keeps a minimum of two engines, two rescues, one squad, and one truck company in service. It holds an ISO Class 3 rating and provides fire suppression, medical response, fire prevention, public education, and rescue operations.

Beyond structural firefighting, the department carries several specialized capabilities: hazardous materials response as part of Michigan's 5th District Regional Response Team Network, technical rescue (rope, confined space, ice and water, structural collapse, and swift water), and aircraft rescue firefighting at Battle Creek Executive Airport.

Entry-level firefighter hiring runs through the city's civil service process. No prior Firefighter I/II or Medical First Responder certifications are required to apply — training and certifications are provided after hire. Candidates take a written civil service examination, a physical agility test, and an oral interview; those who average at least 70% across the written and oral exams are placed on a two-year eligibility list and considered in groups of five.

The next entry-level firefighter hiring cycle is expected in Fall 2026. Interested candidates can complete an online notification form to be alerted when the process opens.