Fire Department Information

City of Madison Home Page

The following is a compiled list of frequently asked questions and the answers to these questions.  Click on a topic of interest to see the answers to many of the questions you may have.

Recruitment & Hiring

What is the Recruit Academy?  The Madison Fire Department Recruit Training Academy is a 14 week course designed to teach new firefighters and to challenge firefighters holding current State Certifications.  During the Academy, recruits are taught the basics of firefighting and many advanced skills such as Smoke Divers, Advanced Rescue, Hazardous Materials Technician and Emergency Medical Technician.  The Academy is physically and mentally challenging.  Not all make it through to completion. The MFD Training Staff is committed to making the best new firefighters and making existing firefighters better.

How long is the Recruit Academy?  The Recruit Academy takes 14 weeks to complete.  If you are not certified at the EMT-B level, an additional 4 weeks is needed to complete the academy.

Are new recruits paid well while in the Recruit Academy?  Yes.  For more information on salary and benefits visit any one of the following sites:

• Fire Fighters Local 311
• City of Madison Human Resources Department Contracts - Local 311 Contract

Is residency required? No, at this time you are not required to live in the City of Madison to be a firefighter with the Madison Fire Department.  However, residency is a requirement for fire managers.

When will the next hiring process be?  The City of Madison Fire Department, through the City of Madison Human Resources Department, is anticipating that the next recruitment process will begin on December 11, 2006. 

I've been a firefighter for XX years, do I still have to go to the Recruit Academy? Yes, all new members are required to go through the Recruit Academy regardless of past years of firefighting experience.

How do I become a Paramedic? After becoming a firefighter with the City of Madison Fire Department and the application process for Paramedic has been opened by the Department, firefighters can apply to become a Paramedic with the Department.  The amount of training required will depend on an individual's qualifications, as well as the Department's review of an individual's skill level.

I'm a Paramedic in my current department.  Can I apply to be a Paramedic with the City of Madison Fire Department?  You must first become a firefighter with the Department and then complete the Department's application process for Paramedic when positions are available.  All City of Madison Fire Department Paramedics are selected (reclassification) from within the Department.

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Fire Extinguishers

Do you know how/where/cost I can get my home fire extinguisher checked and refilled?  The City of Madison Fire Department does not provide this service.  We suggest that you look under Fire Extinguishers in your local yellow pages to find a dealer near you that will check and refill your home fire extinguisher. 

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