What You Should
Know About the City of Madison Fire Department
 The over 300 men and women that make up the Madison Fire
Department come from all parts of the United States. We vary in
culture as well as educational background. Some of our people stem
from generations of fire personnel and some had no experience until
becoming a member of our department. The department strives to
reflect the diversity of our City in its employees.
The Fire Department provides additional special services to the
community. These services include response to hazardous materials
incidents, lake and rope rescue, and Advanced Life Support
(paramedic). These services offer an opportunity to receive training
in these areas.
 As
a newly hired City of Madison firefighter, you start at the Recruit
Academy. During this intensive training, you will use both mental
and physical skills in preparation for your career in the fire
service. The class curriculum covers instruction in areas such as
fire suppression, inspection, community education, hazardous
materials and emergency medicine. The program for emergency medical technician covers 144
hours. You serve an 18-month probation and a 3-1/2 year
apprenticeship.
As
a City of Madison firefighter, you may seek to serve in additional
career positions in the areas of Fire Suppression (such as
Paramedic, Apparatus Engineer and Lieutenant), Fire Investigation,
Training and Administration.
A
Place to Flourish
The
City of Madison Fire Department strives to create a work environment
where each individual is valued. This is a workplace where
individuals are challenged and motivated to do their best work every
day.
An
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Diversity
Initiative report ranked the Department #1 “for excellent
diversity for all groups.” The IAFF specifically addressed
under-representation of people of color and gays and lesbians in the
fire service.
The
City of Madison Fire Department remains committed to hiring
firefighters who are a true reflection of the community we serve.
Our
mission is simple: Public Safety.
It’s
a broad term that requires broader skills. Physical strength and
fitness are a must.
It’s
also an ambitious goal. Our service to the community demands that we
anticipate risks and address them with innovative approaches that
meet people at their point of need.
It’s
a fact that the vast majority of fires are preventable. Cultural,
social, economic, and environmental factors significantly influence
risk for both fire and injury.
As
the IAFF study concludes, the City of Madison Fire Department
doesn’t just practice diversity in hiring — we embrace it.
To
fully realize the promise of diversity, an openness to new ideas and
techniques is essential.
A
solution-oriented, learning environment applies those new ideas in
creative ways that produce positive results.
The
men and women who make up the Madison Fire Department come from all
parts of the United States. We vary in culture as well as
educational background. Some of our people are the product of
generations of fire personnel and some had no experience until
becoming a member of our Department.
Regardless
of background or experience, upon joining the Department, they
become part of a unified team building on discipline, respect and
trust.
Our
promise as an organization is that all personnel are given the tools
and the support they require to work together comfortably and
effectively.
Much
of that support is in the form of ongoing training. Our readiness as
a Department depends on learning and practicing new techniques.
The
MFD aggressively pursues grant funding for new equipment and
training to ensure that all personnel are well-prepared and
well-protected.
Through
careful management of resources, the Department has become a
regional leader, particularly in the areas of Advanced Life Support,
Hazardous Materials, and Heavy Urban Rescue.
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