NBF-FFRec-G Recruit Firefighter

Recruit Firefighter Job Opportunity – South Bend Fire Department

Starting pay: $56,000

About Us

The South Bend Fire Department (SBFD) is an ISO Class 1 Fire Department, committed to delivering professional emergency services with excellence, integrity, and compassion. Serving over 103,000 residents and providing mutual aid to the University of Notre Dame, Mishawaka, and St. Joseph County, SBFD is proud to set the standard in fire and emergency response.

With 256 sworn members operating from 11 strategically located fire stations, we staff 11 engine companies, 4 truck companies, 1 Heavy Rescue company, 7 ALS ambulances, and specialized teams for hazardous materials, technical rescue, and water rescue. Our commitment to training and development ensures our personnel provide cutting-edge, evidence-based emergency care.

We are seeking motivated and dedicated individuals with no prior experience required to join our team as recruit firefighters.

Job Overview

Recruit firefighters will undergo extensive training to prepare for the responsibilities of a firefighter, including:

• Fire suppression, rescue operations, and hazardous materials mitigation.
• Emergency medical response and advanced life support training.
• Fire prevention, code enforcement, and property inspections.
• Community risk reduction and public education initiatives.

Recruits will complete a 22-week Fire Academy to develop the skills, knowledge, and certifications required to serve as a South Bend firefighter. Upon completion of the academy and being sworn in as a firefighter, all personnel will be enrolled in an Advanced EMT (AEMT) program. Firefighters must obtain Indiana AEMT certification within 16 months of enrollment.

Salary and Benefits

• Recruit Starting Pay: $56,000.00
• Firefighter 2nd Class Pay: $65,164.00
• Firefighter 1st Class Pay: $73,389.00
• Pension Base Pay: $83,389.00

Additional Incentives:

• City Residency Incentive: $2,500.00
• Lead Paramedic Incentive: $2,500.00
• EMT-Paramedic: $900.00
• Basic EMT Assigned to Ambulance: $3,000.00
• Advanced EMT Assigned to Ambulance: $4,500.00
• Paramedic Assigned to Ambulance: $9,000.00
• Special Operations Incentive: $1,200.00
• • Limited English Specialty Pay: $800.00

Longevity Pay:

• 5-9 Years of Service: $300.00
• 10-14 Years of Service: $600.00
• 15-19 Years of Service: $1,900.00
• 20-24 Years of Service: $3,400.00
• 25 Years of Service: $10,000.00

Lead Paramedic Longevity Pay:

• 0-1 Year of Service: $550.00
• 2-4 Years of Service: $1,200.00
• 5-8 Years of Service: $1,800.00
• 9 Years of Service: $2,400.00

Note: ALL OVERTIME IS PAID AT DOUBLE TIME!