Join the LFCD
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.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum qualifications of all applicants:
- WI Firefighter II certification
- Current National or State of Wisconsin EMT license
- Associate degree in Fire Science or related field preferred; or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities
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 for the process through.
Fire Department Hiring. Candidates should be prepared to upload a resume and completed certifications when submitting an application.
This position requires FireTEAM (Ergometrics) exam and CPAT. Testing options are available through FireDepartmentHiring.com. (Testing may be completed at any licensed agency. If not using FireDepartmentHiring.com, please upload documentation confirming your CPAT with your application.)
Applications received after January 5, 2026 will be reviewed at a later date.
To view civilian employment opportunities, please click the link below:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacrossewi/
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.