Is A Fire Service Career Right For You?

Duties & Functions

Firefighters perform tasks that may include the following essential functions:

• Respond to fire emergencies.
• Respond to emergency medical incidents by analyzing patient needs and administering advanced emergency medical assistance.
• Operate all types of fire and rescue equipment, including:
  • Aerial ladder equipment
  • Emergency medical equipment
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Forcible entry tools
  • Hose lines with nozzles
• Performing search and rescue of individuals in hazardous environments, including:
  • Fire situations
  • Collapsed buildings
  • Automobile accidents
  • Hazardous materials spills
  • Confined spaces
• Responding to a variety of general emergency rescue calls, such as auto accidents, gas system leaks, and public assistance (assisting elderly and disabled individuals)

Firefighter Expectations

• Firefighters report to a Fire Lieutenant who supervises and works alongside his or her Company.
• Each Company works a 24-hour shift with rotating days off.
• Firefighters live at the fire station when they are on duty and spend their days:
  • Responding to emergency calls for service
  • Training
  • Participating in public relations assignments
  • Performing general station/grounds housekeeping/maintenance duties

Communication

Just as with family members, good communication skills are a must while working in these close quarters and are expected of all firefighters.

About the Department

The City of Waukesha Fire Department is a career department with 104 sworn members, 7 civilian members, and 6 firefighter interns. We are a group of professionals working together to save lives and property. We provide:

• Education and inspection services
• Emergency medical services (basic and advanced life support)
• Fire suppression
• Technical rescue

Training for Firefighters

Firefighters receive 200 hours of basic instruction over a 5-week recruit program and an additional 200 hours of education and evaluation over an 18-month probationary period.

Pay & Benefits

Starting pay for firefighters is comparable to other similar departments complimented with excellent fringe benefits that include medical and dental insurance, paid vacations, and a comprehensive pension and retirement package.