Fire Department · Career
Madison Fire Department
Madison, WI · Dane County
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Department careers page ↗The Madison Fire Department (MFD) provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, and specialized rescue for the City of Madison, Wisconsin's capital. The department describes itself as a nationally recognized leader in emergency services, focused on high-quality essential services and superior customer service.
MFD holds an ISO Class 1 rating, the highest possible public protection classification. Beyond fire and EMS response, the department runs fire prevention and community education programs and maintains several specialized teams.
The department operates a HazMat team, a Heavy Urban Rescue team, and a Lake Rescue team, reflecting the demands of a growing lakeside city. MFD emphasizes hiring firefighters who are responsible, compassionate, and able to work effectively with multicultural communities.
Madison Fire Department hires Firefighter/EMTs through a competitive, roughly 9-10 month process with an annual application window. No prior fire or EMS experience is required to apply, and the department does not require a degree or certifications to be considered. Every recruit, including out-of-state paramedics, attends the MFD Fire Academy.
The process runs from a video-based multiple-choice test through a community panel interview, a physical ability test, a chief-level interview, and a medical evaluation and background check before the recruit academy begins. Candidates can subscribe for recruitment notifications or contact a recruiter at JoinMFD@cityofmadison.com.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old at time of application submission
- No prior fire or EMS experience required
- No degree or certification required to be considered (high school education implied)
- Must pass a medical evaluation based on NFPA 1582 standards (occupational provider SSM Health)
- Must pass a background check
- All recruits, including out-of-state paramedics, must complete the MFD Fire Academy
Hiring process
- Video-based multiple-choice test (human relations, mechanical aptitude, math, reading)
- Community panel interview
- Physical ability test (firefighting-simulation stamina, strength, and agility)
- Interview with the Fire Chief and two chief-level officers
- Medical evaluation and background check
- Recruit academy (employment begins the first day)
Benefits
Eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and tuition reimbursement for UW-Madison undergraduate classes. After becoming a firefighter/EMT, personnel can apply for paramedic training when opportunities are announced (recently offered at least annually).
All recruits attend the MFD Fire Academy regardless of prior experience; out-of-state paramedics complete the pre-service academy. Not all recruits complete the academy, which is a demanding full-time commitment with homework; second jobs are discouraged.
Do I need prior experience or certifications to apply?
No. The Madison Fire Department does not require a degree, prior fire/EMS experience, or certifications to be considered for Firefighter/EMT. All recruits attend the Fire Academy regardless of background.
How old do I have to be to apply?
You must be at least 18 years old at the time you submit your application.
What does the hiring process involve?
A video-based multiple-choice test, a community panel interview, a physical ability test, an interview with the Fire Chief and two chief officers, and a medical evaluation and background check, followed by the recruit academy. The full process takes about 9-10 months.
Are out-of-state paramedics or lateral firefighters given a shortcut?
No. All recruits attend the MFD Fire Academy. National fire/EMS certifications transfer and state certifications are reviewed case-by-case, but out-of-state paramedics still complete the pre-service academy.
Can I become a paramedic after being hired?
Yes. After becoming a firefighter/EMT, you can apply for paramedic training when opportunities are announced, which has recently been offered at least annually.
When can I apply?
MFD hires through an annual application window; the most recent Firefighter/EMT window ran April 1 to May 26, 2026. Subscribe for recruitment updates or contact a recruiter at JoinMFD@cityofmadison.com to be notified of the next opening.