Joining AFD

Serving as a firefighter or EMT is one of the most rewarding and honorable forms of service in a community. Additionally, serving as a part-time Firefighter/EMT can be a valuable entry point into a career in the Emergency Services.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver's license.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have graduated high school or equivalent and be out of school.
• Must meet the distance requirement from your residence to the fire station.
• In order to satisfy this requirement, the miles from your residence multiplied
• by the minutes of travel time to AFD's station must be equal to or be less than 18) .
• No criminal record and be able to pass an employment/criminal background history check.
• Be able to pass an employment physical and drug screen.
• Completion of Department Orientation Program.
• Successful completion of probationary period.
• Must maintain competency in the City of Altoona Fire Department’s Blood borne Pathogen Plan.
• Ability to speak, read and write the English language.

Please note that while experience in Firefighting and EMS is preferred, it is not required. Entry-level employees are considered recruits and will be signed up for Firefighting and Hazardous Materials classes at the Chippewa Valley Technical College. This training is state-funded and free-of-charge for employees.

Working as an AFD Employee also entails several commitments. These include attending a certain number of training hours as well as monthly staff meetings. Before applying for a position at AFD, carefully consider the following expectations of AFD staff:

• Each employee is required to complete 14 hours of training per quarter for a minimum of 56 hours annually. Additionally, each employee will be required to attend half of all special training sessions annualy.
• Each employee is required to attend at least one monthly staff meeting per quarter for a minimum of 4 meetings per year.
• All AFD Staff Members are required to have a MINIMUM call attendance of 10% annually.

How to Apply

To apply to become a First Responder with the Altoona Fire Department, fill out the application below and return it to an AFD Officer at the station, or email the completed application to Chief Renderman. Along with your application, please include an updated resume, copy of your driver's license, and any relevant certifications (NREMT license or NFPA Fire Certifications).

Following review of your application to AFD, you may be invited to an interview with the Chief and AFD Officers. Upon a satistfactory interview, a criminal and employment background check will initiated. The results are forwarded to the officer in charge and the Fire Chief for review. After approval from the fire officer in charge and the Fire Chief, an appointment is set up for a pre-employment physical and drug screening. After passing the above steps, an employee is hired on a probationary status for the period of one year from the official date of hire.

For any questions about the employment process, please visit our FAQ section and our Contact Us page.