At the Gurnee Fire Department, we are more than firefighters, we are highly trained professionals, paramedics, educators and community servants. We work together, train together, and support one another so we can be ready for our community when they need us most.
Why Join Gurnee Fire?
You'll find a career that challenges you, supports your growth, and allows you to make a real impact every single day. The Gurnee Fire Department offers many unique opportunities:- Fire investigation
- Water rescue
- Hazardous materials team (Haz Mat)
What You'll Do
From emergency response to prevention and community education, our members wear many hats.Emergency Response
Fire Prevention & Inspections
EMS & Patient Care
Training & Development
General Requirements
- Must be 21 years of age at the date of appointment
- U.S. Citizen
Competitive Wage and Benefits Package
- Competitive salary
- Paid vacations
- Firefighter pension program
- College tuition reimbursement
- No residency requirement
FAQs
No. While we welcome applications from licensed paramedics, you do not need to be a licensed paramedic to apply. However, applicants must be certified as an Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Basic Operations Firefighter and, by their date of hire, provide proof of enrollment or active good standing in a paramedic program. This allows candidates to begin the hiring process while they are working toward earning their paramedic certification.
Gurnee Fire Department firefighters work a 24/48 schedule, meaning they are on duty for 24 consecutive hours followed by 48 hours off duty. This cycle repeats throughout the year and ensures round-the-clock coverage for the community.
The department operates three shifts: Red, Gold, and Black. This schedule ensures firefighters are always available to respond to emergencies.
During their 24-hour shift, firefighters live at the fire station. They inspect and maintain emergency vehicles and equipment, complete station duties, participate in training, respond to emergency calls, prepare and eat meals together, and sleep at the station when not actively responding to calls or performing other responsibilities. At any time during their shift, they must be ready to respond immediately when an emergency call is received.
The department operates three shifts: Red, Gold, and Black. This schedule ensures firefighters are always available to respond to emergencies.
During their 24-hour shift, firefighters live at the fire station. They inspect and maintain emergency vehicles and equipment, complete station duties, participate in training, respond to emergency calls, prepare and eat meals together, and sleep at the station when not actively responding to calls or performing other responsibilities. At any time during their shift, they must be ready to respond immediately when an emergency call is received.
The Gurnee Fire Department responds to a wide variety of emergency and non-emergency calls, including fires, emergency medical incidents, vehicle crashes, technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents, fire alarms, public assistance calls, and other requests for service.
Because Gurnee is home to residential neighborhoods, businesses, schools, major roadways, shopping destinations, entertainment venues, and millions of annual visitors each year, our firefighters are trained and experienced in handling a diverse range of emergency situations.
Because Gurnee is home to residential neighborhoods, businesses, schools, major roadways, shopping destinations, entertainment venues, and millions of annual visitors each year, our firefighters are trained and experienced in handling a diverse range of emergency situations.
The Gurnee Fire Department offers the opportunity to serve one of the most dynamic communities in the region. In addition to protecting residential neighborhoods and local businesses, our firefighters serve millions of visitors each year at destinations such as Six Flags Great America, Great Wolf Lodge, and Gurnee Mills. This diverse community creates a fast-paced environment where no two shifts are the same, providing valuable experience across a wide variety of emergency incidents.
Our firefighter/paramedics work in a professional, team-oriented culture that values training, teamwork, public service, and community engagement. In addition to responding to fires and providing advanced life support EMS, members are actively involved in fire prevention, public education, technical rescue, and other specialized emergency services. Whether you're just beginning your career or looking to grow professionally, Gurnee provides the experience, mentorship, and opportunities to build a well-rounded and rewarding career in the fire service.
Our firefighter/paramedics work in a professional, team-oriented culture that values training, teamwork, public service, and community engagement. In addition to responding to fires and providing advanced life support EMS, members are actively involved in fire prevention, public education, technical rescue, and other specialized emergency services. Whether you're just beginning your career or looking to grow professionally, Gurnee provides the experience, mentorship, and opportunities to build a well-rounded and rewarding career in the fire service.
Yes. Firefighters become eligible to begin testing for promotion to Lieutenant, the department's first-line supervisory company officer rank, after five years of service, provided they meet all additional qualifications and promotional requirements. Career advancement also includes opportunities to serve in command positions, as well as specialized assignments in training and emergency medical services.
Whether your goal is to become a company officer, develop expertise in a specialized discipline, or pursue a leadership role, the Gurnee Fire Department is committed to investing in its members through ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development. We believe in preparing our personnel not only for their next assignment, but for a rewarding and successful career in the fire service.
Whether your goal is to become a company officer, develop expertise in a specialized discipline, or pursue a leadership role, the Gurnee Fire Department is committed to investing in its members through ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development. We believe in preparing our personnel not only for their next assignment, but for a rewarding and successful career in the fire service.
Yes. The Gurnee Fire Department provides members with the essential equipment and protective gear needed to safely and effectively perform their duties. This includes regulation uniforms, duty wear, and turnout gear in accordance with department policy.
From day one, our goal is to ensure firefighters have the proper tools, equipment, and resources needed to protect themselves, their teammates, and the community they serve. Providing high-quality equipment allows our members to focus on what matters most, delivering professional emergency services and serving the residents and visitors of Gurnee.
From day one, our goal is to ensure firefighters have the proper tools, equipment, and resources needed to protect themselves, their teammates, and the community they serve. Providing high-quality equipment allows our members to focus on what matters most, delivering professional emergency services and serving the residents and visitors of Gurnee.
The hiring process includes an application review, physical ability test, written examination, oral interview, polygraph, psychological evaluation, medical evaluation, background investigation, conditional offer, and other required screenings.
Each phase of the process must be successfully completed before moving forward. Specific requirements and timelines will be provided through the official hiring process.
Each phase of the process must be successfully completed before moving forward. Specific requirements and timelines will be provided through the official hiring process.
Applicants who are interested in beginning a fire service career should review the current job posting carefully to determine whether they meet the minimum qualifications. Requirements may include education, certifications, licensure, testing, and physical ability standards.
Yes. Experienced firefighter/paramedics are encouraged to review current openings and apply if they meet the minimum qualifications.
Yes. Prospective applicants are encouraged to learn more about the Gurnee Fire Department before applying. We welcome the opportunity to connect with candidates, answer questions, and provide insight into what it is like to serve as a firefighter/paramedic with our department.
Contact Deputy Fire Chief David Douglass at 847-599-6600 to learn more about current recruitment opportunities, schedule a station visit, or ask questions about the hiring process. Visiting the station and meeting with our members is a great way to experience our team environment, learn about our daily operations, and determine if Gurnee Fire Department is the right fit for your career goals.
Contact Deputy Fire Chief David Douglass at 847-599-6600 to learn more about current recruitment opportunities, schedule a station visit, or ask questions about the hiring process. Visiting the station and meeting with our members is a great way to experience our team environment, learn about our daily operations, and determine if Gurnee Fire Department is the right fit for your career goals.