Panel Interview

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Hiring Process

The Fort Wayne Fire Department is accepting applications for firefighter positions beginning November 9 until 4 p.m. EST December 20, 2023. During the hiring process, the Fort Wayne Fire Department seeks qualified applicants who will be committed to the public safety of the Fort Wayne community. 

Only qualified applicants ages 21 – 40 will be considered.

If you have specific questions about a career as a firefighter with the FWFD, you may contact Jermaine Thomas at 260-427-2180 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please follow these important instructions to apply for the position of firefighter with the Fort Wayne Fire Department.

1. Click HERE to watch the 14 minute Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) video before you apply. During the application process, you will be asked if you viewed the CPAT video.

2. After viewing the CPAT video, you will have to access the City of Fort Wayne firefighter job application. When you access the application, you will be prompted for a pin number. If this is your first time applying for a FWFD position, please register for a pin number when you are prompted. It will be emailed to you. If you have applied for a FWFD position in the past and do not remember your pin number, contact the City of Fort Wayne HR Department, to recover your pin at 260-427-1180. Any other questions about the application process may also be directed to the City of Fort Wayne Human Resources Office at 260-427-1180.

3. After you have watched the CPAT video and have filled out the City of Fort Wayne online application form, you will receive an email with further instructions.

Click HERE to access the FWFD Written Exam Preparation Video and Practice Test, as well as the National Fire Select Test Orientation Guide.

Information about the salary of a FWFD Firefighter: http://www.fortwaynefiredepartment.org/career-opportunities/job-information

FWFD Firefighter job description: http://www.fortwaynefiredepartment.org/career-opportunities/job-information/firefighter-job-description

6 - 12 MONTH PROCESS

The Fort Wayne Fire Department hiring process is a long process, not unlike most public safety hiring processes across the country. From the time of application acceptance to appointment to the Fire Academy, the process can be 6-12 months in duration. Applicants must successfully pass each phase to move on in the hiring process. The process is governed by two entities: State of Indiana and the Fire Merit Commission codes and requirements.

The Fort Wayne Fire Department's hiring process:

Written Exam

CPAT

Panel Interview

Eligibility List is Established

Background Investigationge)

Acrophobia/Claustrophobia Test

Conditional Offer of Employment

Psychological Exam

Medical Exam

Pension Board Approval

Merit Commission Approval

Appointment to Academy

While candidates will have several mandatory reporting dates during the hiring process, these dates are spread across the hiring timeline and prior notice is given so candidates can plan and prepare. Candidates involved in the FWFD hiring process are encouraged to maintain their current employment.

City of Fort Wayne Firefighter Job Description

City of Fort Wayne Firefighter
Job Description

To view the City of Fort Wayne Firefighter Job Description, click HERE.

Firefighter Qualifications

 
Fort Wayne Fire Department Applicant Qualifications  Effective 6/7/2013

Applicant must:

• Be a US Citizen or have attained citizenship prior to application date;
• Be 21-35 years old - must be 21 prior to application date and must be sworn in prior to 36^th birthday;
• Be able to speak clearly in English and be understood;
• Possess a valid Indiana Driver’s License at the start of the Academy;
• Be a high school graduate or equivalent of;
• Current National Registry certification at the paramedic level or current Indiana paramedic license;
• Be free of a felony conviction record.

Applicant must be physically capable of:

• Bending and stretching in order to accomplish tasks of pulling, pushing, grasping and carrying objects having a weight of 50 pounds or more;
• Donning and wearing approximately 50 pounds of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus;
• Engaging in crawling, walking, climbing, prying, chopping and carrying scenarios;
• Occasionally dragging weights up to 200 pounds;
• Climbing ladders varying in length from 14’ to 110’;
• Withstanding periods of overheating and chilling often times in wet clothing.

Applicant must be mentally capable of:

• Demonstrating knowledge of elementary physics, chemistry, mechanics, math and reading comprehension;
• Functioning as part of a team at all times.

Applicant must be able to meet the following vision standards:

• Uncorrected – binocular vision no worse than 20/100 (with exception for long term successful users of soft contact lenses);
• Corrected – binocular vision no worse than 20/30 with worst eye no worse than 20/50;
• Color – ability to identify red, green and yellow;
• Peripheral – uncorrected field of vision no worse than 140 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye.

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Salary and Benefits

Fort Wayne Fire Department Pay and Benefits effective 1/2022                                                

(Subject to change in accordance to IAFF Local 124 Contract)

RECRUIT Benefits— Academy (Subject to change in accordance to IAFF Local 124 Contract)

A Recruit is defined as an individual accepted in the approximate 22-week FWFD Academy.       

              Salary:  $56,214.30

              Employee ONLY Benefits:  Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance 

              Vacation:  None

              Hours during Academy:  Monday - Friday; 7 a.m.—4 p.m.

PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTER Benefits— First Year
(Subject to change in accordance to IAFF Local 124 Contract)

Probationary Firefighter is defined as a first year sworn firefighter post academy.

Salary: $56,214.30

Employee Benefits:  Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance  (available for immediate family)

Pension:  Eligible for retirement after 20 years

Vacation:  Vacation days are prorated post successful Academy completion and in accordance with IAFF Local 124 contract

Sworn Probationary Firefighter:  24 hours on shift followed by 48 hours off duty                                                   

FIREFIGHTER 
A Firefighter is defined as an individual who successfully completes the academy and the first year probation period. (Subject to change in accordance to IAFF Local 124 Contract)

Tiered Salary:   
First year probationary $56,214.30
Second year Apprentice  $59,521.02
Third year Apprentice. $62,827.75
Journeyman Firefighter. $66,134.47

Employee Benefits:  Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance 

Pension:  Eligible for retirement after 20 years

Vacation:  Six vacation days available after first full year of service based on seniority and in accordance with IAFF Local 124 contract
                                                               
Firefighter Hours:  24 hours on shift followed by 48 hours off duty
                                                            

Those assigned to 24/48 schedule are eligible for 6 working days of parental leave, if applicable.