WISCONSIN FIRE DEPARTMENTS SEEK NEW VOLUNTEERS AND RECRUITS STATEWIDE: ANSWER THE CALL: WISCONSIN FIRE DEPARTMENTS SEEK NEW VOLUNTEERS AND RECRUITS STATEWIDE WISCONSIN — Your local fire departments across Wisconsin are inviting community members to step up, make a difference, and join the ranks of the emergency fire service. Whether structured as pure volunteer, paid-on-call, combination, or full-time career departments, agencies across the state are actively recruiting motivated individuals ready to answer the call. After all, a majority of the firefighters in the state of Wisconsin participate after their normal working hours. Contrary to common misconceptions, no previous firefighting experience is required to join. Most Wisconsin departments provide all necessary training, safety equipment, and onboarding support to help new members succeed. What It Takes to Join To apply, candidates must meet basic, common-sense requirements: Be an adult (typically 18 years or older) Hold a valid driver’s license Pass a criminal background check Possess the physical capability to perform essential job duties Before applying, chiefs recommend candidates ensure their driver's license is in good standing, confirm their background check eligibility, and have an honest conversation at home regarding the time commitment. Fire chiefs emphasize that they screen candidates primarily for reliability, coachability, and follow-through rather than ego or swagger. Training & Qualification Standards in Wisconsin Wisconsin fire departments maintain professional safety and operating standards: Basic Training: Under Wisconsin Administrative Code (SPS 330), new volunteer firefighters typically complete an entry-level firefighter course approved by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Delivered in two 30-hour modules (60 hours total), this core program builds practical skills without requiring initial state certification. Specialized Roles: Members looking to drive engines or operate aerial trucks must complete minimum training requirements—such as a 30-hour entry-level driver/operator course—before operating during emergency calls. Statewide Delivery: WTCS technical colleges deliver accessible, high-quality training tailored specifically to volunteer and paid-on-call members across Wisconsin. Candidates with prior training from another state can bring their documentation to the department’s training officer for evaluation. What New Recruits Can Expect Never a dull moment. You will learn real world skills and abilities that will equip you to respond to emergencies, both at work and at home. Learn medical skills, teamwork, leadership, increase your mechanical abilities, work with various power tools, and how to handle stressful environments. You will respond on emergency vehicles and learn their operations, hydraulics, the science behind why we do what we do all while serving your community. For candidates with busy schedules or families, departments emphasize open communication. Alternate support roles—such as traffic control, rehabilitation support, logistics, administration, or fundraising—are often available. Depending on the department's staffing model, members may serve on a purely volunteer basis or receive compensation via per-call pay, hourly wages for training and response, or annual stipends. Five Reasons to Become a Firefighter in Wisconsin Serve Your Community: Firefighters act as the community's Swiss Army knife, responding to medical calls, vehicle crashes, fires, rescues, hazardous materials, and severe weather. This also places members in a unique position of learning and being more impactful for their community. Every Day Brings a New Challenge: No two shifts or calls are alike, keeping responders engaged and continuously problem-solving. Become Part of a Family: Shared experiences, teamwork, and trust forge lifelong friendships inside and outside the station. Never Stop Learning: Firefighters receive continuous, high-level training in medical care, rescue tactics, leadership, and safety that benefits every area of life. Earn Respect While Making a Difference: Serving neighbors during critical moments brings deeply rewarding purpose and community trust. You make the difference and get to add being a member of an elite team to your resume. How to Get Started Today The fastest and safest path to joining a local fire department involves four simple steps: Contact your local department to request their membership requirements sheet, training calendar, response expectations, and onboarding timeline. Attend an upcoming department meeting or training night to introduce yourself. Review expectations and complete the application package. Follow through on your training and participation commitments. Apply and become and become a change maker! "The staffing model may look different from one community to another, but the mission never changes—it is about serving others. The training will change your skills. The experience will change your life." — Jerry Streich, ODP, Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs’ Association To learn more about opportunities across Wisconsin and find a local fire department near you, visit www.wifirefighters.org.
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