Join the LCFD
Interested in a career as a full-time Firefighter? Consider joining the La Crosse Fire Department!
The La Crosse Fire Department, with a team comprising 98 dedicated individuals, stands as a pillar of strength, safeguarding our City and its inhabitants day in and day out.
Comprised of Firefighters, Engineers, Lieutenants, Captains, Division Chiefs, Battalion Chiefs, an Assistant Chief, and a Fire Chief, the department boasts a diverse array of roles, each crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. With strategic foresight, the LCFD operates out of four stations, strategically positioned throughout the city, including two modern facilities constructed within recent years.
Operating on a 48/96 shift schedule across three platoon shifts, the LCFD demonstrates unwavering dedication, readiness, and resilience in the face of adversity. In the year 2025 alone, their commitment was evident as they responded to over 8,100 incidents, conducted thorough inspections of nearly 3,000 buildings, and meticulously investigated 47 fire scenes. Such staggering figures underscore the department's unwavering commitment to our community's safety and well-being.
Moreover, the LCFD showcases its versatility and preparedness through its various specialty teams. These teams, including Hazardous Materials, Urban Search and Rescue, and Water/Ice/Dive Rescue, exemplify the department's holistic approach to emergency response, ensuring that they are equipped to handle a myriad of situations with precision and expertise.
Application
The La Crosse Fire Department accepts applications for entry-level firefighters on a continuous basis.
Candidates who would like to apply must submit an application through www.cityoflacrosse.org/careers. Candidates should be prepared to upload a resume and completed certifications when submitting an application.
This position requires FireTEAM (Ergometrics) exam and CPAT which may be completed following the instructions at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com. (The CPAT may be taken at any licensed agency. Please upload documentation confirming your CPAT with your application).”
Applications received after December 20, 2026 will be reviewed at a later date.
To view civilian employment opportunities, please click the link below: www.cityoflacrosse.org/careers
For questions regarding the application process, you can contact the City of La Crosse Human Resources Department by phone at (608)789-7595 or email at hr@cityoflacrosse.org.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum qualifications of all applicants:
- Valid Driver’s License
- At least 18 years of age
- High School Diploma or GED/HSED
- Valid CPAT Certification at time of hire
- Completion of FireTeam/Ergometrics exam at time of hire
- State of Wisconsin Firefighter II or equivalent
- Current National or State of Wisconsin EMT-Basic licensure
- Associate degree in Fire Science or related field preferred; or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the position at the time of hire
Pre-Employment Screening
Once a candidate has passed through the interview process and has been identified as a viable candidate for hire, there are additional pre-employment screening steps including:
- Background Check
- Psychological Testing
- Physical Examination & Drug Screen
Interviews & Testing
Applicants who submitted a completed application and meet minimum qualifications may be invited to participate in the recruitment process. The candidate must pass the prior step to be invited to the next.
2027 Recruitment Process Timeline:
Applications accepted through December 20, 2026 will be considered in the 2027 recruitment process.
- Monday, January 11, 2027: Fire Department Management initial interview. The interview is scheduled for 20 minutes.
- Friday, January 15, 2027: Human Resources phone interview. This will take 15 minutes.
- Wednesday, January 20, 2027: City of La Crosse Police & Fire Commission interview (15 minutes) followed by an interview with the Fire Chief (15 minutes).
Benefits
La Crosse Firefighters enjoy the following benefits:
- Competitive wages with the ability to earn over $60,395 - $70,700 annually after the first year
- Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System
- Paid Holidays, Vacation and Sick Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Platoon Shift Schedule (48/96)
- Various other Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, Life Insurance and Disability benefits.
For a complete summary of benefits, please visit our Human Resources webpage.