A high school diploma or a GED certificate is a requirement for applying for an entry level fire fighter position.
Candidates who wish to apply for employment also must have Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, which is earned by completing a one-semester course. The EMT course is offered by Prairie State College in conjunction with St. James Hospital and Health Centers, both located in Chicago Heights.
Candidates must pass a written examination and a physical aptitude test.
State certification as a paramedic is required for appointment to the department. Candidates must be sponsored by the Fire Department to enroll in the paramedic study program, which is offered at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Ill.
Additional education includes Fire Fighter II training, which is a state certified curriculum. The Chicago Heights Fire Department is one of the area departments that offers a Fire Fighter II course, which demands 180 to 200 hours of training in fire fighting skills and techniques.
A step to take in seeking a Fire Department position is joining Chicago Heights' paid-on-call (POC) fire fighter program. The POC fire fighter gets necessary basic training with the regular Fire Department. Paid-on-call members should be ready to serve when the Fire Department needs them.
Persons interested in the POC program may contact Fire Chief Theodore Brown at 708-756-5600.
Would you like to be a paid-on-call volunteer for the Chicago Heights Fire Department?