Fire Department · Career
Appleton Fire Department
Appleton, WI · Outagamie County
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Department careers page ↗Appleton Fire Department protects Wisconsin's Fox Valley region from six stations spread across the city, staffing six engine companies and a ladder company around the clock with a roster of 96 professionals. Beyond structural fire suppression, the department runs a Special Operations Division that fields dedicated swift-water, ice-water, hazmat, technical rescue, confined-space, building-collapse, and tactical EMS teams, reflecting a department built to handle high-risk incidents well beyond routine fire calls.
Every member is cross-trained in emergency medical response, and the department extends mutual aid to neighboring Fox River Valley communities. New hires join under a P.R.I.D.E. framework — Partnership, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, Excellence — that the department cites as the foundation of its day-to-day operations and community relationships.
MissionWith our partners, the Appleton Fire Department protects the community with exceptional service.
Appleton Fire Department hires firefighter/EMTs who already hold Firefighter I and Wisconsin EMT certification, then puts them through a multi-stage testing process before an 18-month probationary period that includes earning a Wisconsin Paramedic license.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
- Minimum of 60 college credits from an accredited university, college, or technical school
- Certified Firefighter I (IFSAC or Pro Board) at time of application
- Wisconsin EMT license at time of application
- Must obtain Wisconsin Paramedic license within the 18-month probationary period
- Non-tobacco user, on and off duty
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to swim and work from elevated positions
- No felony convictions; no OUI/OWI conviction within the past 5 years
- No prior removal from an eligibility list within the past 12 months
Hiring process
- Written test (reading comprehension, judgment, mechanical aptitude, problem-solving)
- Department panel interviews
- Fire Chief interview
- Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Police and Fire Commission interview
- Placement on eligibility pool (valid 12 months)
- Background check
- Conditional offer
- Psychological evaluation
- Medical examination (NFPA 1582 standards)
- Final offer
Benefits
Paid time off, health/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) participation, accident insurance, wellness programs, and deferred compensation.
New hires complete a 10-12 week Recruit Training Class covering firefighting fundamentals, followed by an 18-month probationary period with mandatory annual physical fitness testing.
What are the requirements to become a firefighter with Appleton Fire Department?
Applicants must be at least 18, have 60 college credits, hold Firefighter I certification and a Wisconsin EMT license at the time of application, and be able to obtain a Wisconsin Paramedic license within their 18-month probationary period.
What is the hiring process for Appleton Fire Department?
The process includes a written test, department panel interviews, a Fire Chief interview, the CPAT physical ability test, a Police and Fire Commission interview, placement on a 12-month eligibility pool, a background check, and a conditional offer followed by psychological and medical exams.
Does Appleton Fire Department accept lateral transfers?
No, the department does not currently offer a lateral transfer program; out-of-state certifications must be transferred independently through the Wisconsin Technical College System.
What is the starting salary for an Appleton firefighter/EMT?
The starting salary for the Firefighter/EMT position is $66,000 annually, with a benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance and Wisconsin Retirement System participation.
How long is firefighter training with Appleton Fire Department?
New recruits complete a 10-12 week Recruit Training Class before beginning an 18-month probationary period that includes annual physical fitness testing.