Hiring 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 the appointment to the Fire Academy, the process can be 6-10 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:

• Application Period
• Written Exam     
• CPAT
• Panel Interview
• Eligibility List is Established
• Background Investigation
• Fire Chief Interview
• State Agility Testing Including 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 continue with their current employment efforts.   At the end of the hiring process, candidates who are hired report to a 22-week Fire Academy.  The academy follows a 40-hour work week.  Candidates are considered a probationary 1st year firefighter and are paid at the rate of 90% of a firefighter ($43,256 - 2011 figure) while in the academy and during the first year on the job.