DMFD Is Hiring Firefighters As Emergency Call Numbers Continues To Rise

Press Release

Des Moines, Iowa- Thursday, March 21, 2024 - Every 16 minutes in 2023, a Des Moines Fire Department Crew responded to an emergency call, and now the DMFD is looking for more firefighters to help answer those record calls.

Applications are now open for the Des Moines Fire Academy's next class of firefighters who will be trained and certified in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), fire suppression and paramedic certifications during the paid Academy.

"We're looking for people who are eager to make a difference," Des Moines Fire Department Chief John TeKippe said. "If you want a meaningful career that will challenge you and help you grow as a person while improving your community, this is the opportunity you've been looking for."

Applications are open until April 15 for the 102^nd class of the Des Moines Fire Academy which will officially start in early 2025 and graduate as firefighters in early 2026.

Benefits for becoming a firefighter include:

• Starting salary of just over $73,000
• 5% paramedic bonus with state paramedic certification and one year of DMFD service (paramedic certification obtained during paid training)
• 24 hours-on, 48 hours-off scheduling
• Comprehensive health benefits (LINKED)
• Special Operations pay opportunities include Technical Rescue, Water Rescue and Hazmat teams.
• 150+ special events with opportunities for overtime pay
• Strong Defined Benefit Pension, including continuation for qualified 411 participants.

Earlier this year, 23 firefighters graduated as part of the 100^th class of the Des Moines Fire Academy and 15 more recruits began their journey as a part of the 101^st class of the Des Moines Fire Academy.

Learn more about the positions and apply today at DSM.city/JoinDMFD