Firefighter/Paramedic

To apply for our 2025 eligibility list, you will need to review the online new hire orientation packet before applying:

2025 Orientation Packet

*No application fee*

Application Deadline:

May 30, 2025 @ 11:59 PM

Hiring Process:

Written Exam:

Taken through National Testing Network:

National Testing Network

A fee applies; candidates with financial hardship may request a voucher before registering by emailing cabreraz@cityoflakeforest.com. Visit NTN FAQs for fee subsidy details.

Spark Hire Interviews:

Candidates who pass the written exam will complete a one-way video interview. You'll have 7 days to submit the interview after receiving the invitation. No extensions will be permitted.

BFPC Interviews:

Final candidates will be invited for an in-person interview with the Board of Fire and Police Commission. June 2025; dates and times to be determined.

Preference Points:

Those passing the Board interview will be placed on a ranked Preliminary Eligibility List, at which point candidates may then apply for applicable preference points. Preference points must be claimed in writing, within ten calendar days after posting of the Preliminary eligibility list.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Respond to and perform all necessary activities needed for the providing of emergency medical service to the public.
• Respond to and perform all necessary activities needed for the extinguishment of fires.
• Perform public education activities by performing home surveys, fire station tours, fire drills, block parties, and demonstrations as assigned.
• Perform custodial work on apparatus, vehicles and buildings in a timely and complete manner, in addition to making any minor repairs needed.
• Report any situations that arise to your immediate supervisor.
• Maintain certification as a Paramedic under the guidelines of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
• Attends and participates in training related to firefighting methods, vehicle and equipment operation and maintenance, emergency medical operations, fire prevention activities, and other activities directly or indirectly related to the operation of the fire department.

Qualifications: 

• Age requirements:
• At least 21 and not more than 34 years old by July 1, 2025.
• Other requirements:
• High school diploma or equivalent
• US citizen or qualified as a "protected individual" pursuant to 8 U.S.C.
• Valid Illinois Department of Public Health EMT-Paramedic (IDPH EMT-P) license by date of hire §1324b(a)(3)(B)
• Corrected vision to 20/25
• Physical Ability:
• Successfully pass CPAT certification and Ladder Endorsement from a certified agency within 12 months prior to June BFPC interviews.
• CPAT cards will be considered valid within 1 year of issue.
• http://www.nipsta.org/176/Firefighter-Testing

You can learn more about the process on the Fire Department's website:

https://www.cityoflakeforest.com/departments/fire/fire_recruitment.php