Thank you for your interest in our department!  The Fremont Fire Department works with a three platoon system, on-duty twenty-four hours and off forty-eight hours, year round.

The department is a combination of paid firefighters, reserves and volunteers, covering inspections, fire prevention, fire suppression, and emergency medical services.  We have three pumpers, one aerial platform, four rescue units and one combination hazmat/water rescue and command unit.

There are thirty paid, full-time members of the department:  seven firefighters, one lieutenant and one captain per shift (three shifts), a training/safety officer, a fire chief, and a secretary.

The City of Fremont’s pay period is every other week.  All entrance and promotional testing is directed by the Civil Service. 

Sick and vacation time is accrued at a monthly rate.  Eight holidays are given each year, even if shift fire personnel do not work them:  New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July Fourth, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and one “Floating Holiday” to be taken off when an employee wishes, subject to supervisory approval.

Regular, full-time employees of the City receive health and dental insurance,

life insurance, and become part of the City’s pension plan.  Employees may also take advantage of a deferred compensation plan in addition to the pension plan.  City employees are also eligible to become members of the Nebraska State Employees Credit Union.

The following should give you an idea of our hiring process:

The minimum age requirement is 21 years.  Applications are kept on file in the City of Fremont’s Personnel Office (at 400 East Military) for six months.

When a position opens up, applicants are scheduled to take the Civil Service Exam.  Candidates are then narrowed down according to test results.

The leading applicants are then required to take the Physical Agility Test.  This test has been adopted by the Fremont Fire Department to evaluate prospective firefighters, as well as evaluating present employees.  The agility test is a series of evolutions that “re-enact” certain aspects of firefighting. 

After the physical testing is done, applicants are interviewed by the City’s Personnel Director, the Civil Service Commission, and the Fire Chief.  The top three candidates will also be required to take a psychological test, a drug test, and a back (strength) screen.

The names of the three finalists are presented to the Mayor and City Council.  One candidate is selected.  This candidate must successfully pass a physical (performed by the City’s physician) prior to hiring.

All applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and be EMT certified, or be willing to obtain certification within six months of hiring.  The City has also adopted a “No Smoking” policy that applicants must agree to.

The City requires that all emergency personnel live within a 20 minute response area (driving at the speed limit to the city limits).  This includes all firefighters and officers.

If you have any other questions regarding the hiring process, please contact the Personnel Office at 402.727.2630.

If you have any questions regarding the fire department, feel free to contact us at 402.727.2688, or stop by the station.

Good luck to you as you pursue a firefighting career!