RECRUITMENT

Being a member of the Ozaukee Central Fire Department can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Membership in our organization does require an extensive amount of initial training, continuous education, on-call availability and some personal sacrifice. The steps for joining are:

1. Submit an initial interest form here
2. One of our Chief Officers will set up an initial meet-and-greet to explain the needs of the department and our operations.
3. If interested in joining, you will receive an application for membership.
4. Once the application is returned to the department, there is an initial review and background investigation.
5. A follow-up meeting/interview may be conducted with the Fire Chief or designee.
6. If selected for membership, you will be sent for a medical evaluation and agility testing. Upon passing both tests, you will be enrolled in certification class (if not already certified) and an orientation session

 On-call members are assigned to the station closest to their home or work. In addition, each person is assigned to one of our three rotating on-call duty crews. Each duty crew is responsible for calls during their assigned hours on a rotating basis. Each person submits regular availability to cover on-call hours and sometimes in-station hours. 

What happens if I have other commitments during my on-call time? The department understands that our members have lives outside of our organization. In order to maintain adequate coverage of on-call hours, we encourage members to trade hours with someone from one of the other two duty crews and/or work with your duty crew Lieutenant or Captain to find coverage. 

Members are required to attend initial certification training (if not already certified), in addition to regularly scheduled in-house training. Members must also submit regular on-call availability. Firefighters are required to complete a minimum of 36 hours per year of training, following initial certification. EMTs, Advanced EMTs and Paramedics are required to attend enough training hours to maintain their license level throughout the three year renewal period. Required hours are dictated by the State of WI and the EMS Medical Director. All licensed EMTs/AEMTs/Paramedics are also required to attend mandatory skills checks twice per year (generally in April and October) with the Medical Director. 

For new members without previous certification(s) in firefighting or EMS, the department will sponsor and pay for certification training through an area technical college. New members will choose one of the following paths:

1. Basic firefighting certification (Firefighter 1) is approximately 96 hours of classroom and hands-on training over the course of a college semester. It is generally two nights per week (Mondays & Wednesdays from 6pm-10pm) for the entire semester. Fall semester classes begin at the end of August and conclude in the middle of December. Spring semester classes begin in mid-January and conclude at the end of May. In addition, firefighter candidates are required to complete Hazardous Materials-Operations. Hazmat Ops is 6 classes taken within the same schedule of Firefighter 1. Firefighter 1 students are required to take and pass the State of WI final certification written and practical exams at the conclusion of the course.
2. Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training is approximately 180 hours of classroom and hands-on training over the course of a semester. It is generally two, sometimes three nights per week (Mondays & Wednesdays, with some Tuesdays from 6pm-10pm) for the entire semester. Fall semester classes begin at the end of August and conclude in the middle of December. Spring semester classes begin in mid-January and conclude at the end of May. EMT students are required to take and pass the National Registry final exam at the conclusion of the course. 

For new members with previous certification(s) in firefighting or EMS, the department will work with you to transfer your licenses/certifications to our department and then orientate you to our policies, procedures and equipment. Not all certifications/licenses transfer from state-to-state, so we will assist you in navigating the process. If a certification/license does not transfer, you may be required to retake a course.

We always encourage members to achieve certifications beyond the basics and will work with you to create a pathway towards additional certifications.

No experience is required and we will provide you with training to become a Firefighter, EMT or both! 

The cost of gear exceeds $3000 per member. The cost of initial training varies by course; anywhere from $200-$1500 per student. The Ozaukee Central Fire Department covers all tuition, books and other fees associated with certification training and will provide you with all necessary Fire / EMS gear.

Initial training involves attendance at an area technical college to receive an initial certification (if not already certified) as Firefighter Level 1 or EMT. Firefighter 1 is typically 2 evenings a week for a semester. EMT is typically 2, sometimes 3, nights a week for a semester. Each class concludes with a state or national certification exam. 

Additional certifications can be obtained after receiving Firefighter Level 1 or EMT, with most advanced courses taking one semester each. 

To maintain skills, the OCFD offers a regularly scheduled in-house training program. Firefighters meet at least twice a month on Thursday evenings to practice fire attack, pumping, rope rescue, ladders and much more. EMS personnel meet at least once a month on alternate Thursday evenings. Additional in-house opportunities are also available on a near-daily basis with shift personnel.