Fire Department
Big Lake Fire Department
Big Lake, MN · Sherburne County
The Big Lake Fire Department is comprised of 38 paid-on-call firefighters serving Big Lake, Minnesota, in Sherburne County. Most on-call firefighters hold regular full-time careers outside this part-time role and respond when an emergency occurs.
The department provides fire suppression and emergency response and recruits new paid-on-call firefighters from the community.
Big Lake recruits paid-on-call firefighters; most members hold full-time careers outside the department.
Requirements
- High school graduate or equivalent
- At least 18 years of age
- Valid Class D Minnesota driver's license
- Must live within 7 miles of the Big Lake fire station
- Pass pre-employment screening, including a physical and psychological exam
- Pass a background check
Benefits
On-call firefighters are part-time city/township employees paid for actual hours worked (emergency responses, training, and special events). Through the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter (SVF) plan, each earns a pension of $7,000/year (effective January 2025), paid in full after 20 years of active service.
Newly selected firefighters complete upwards of 200 hours of required training during their initial probationary period, covering fire suppression, search and rescue, emergency medicine, and hazardous materials.
How is the Big Lake Fire Department staffed?
With 38 paid-on-call firefighters, most of whom hold full-time careers outside the department and respond when emergencies occur.
How do I become a Big Lake firefighter?
The department recruits paid-on-call firefighters from the community; see its "Become a Firefighter" page.