The Portage Fire Department is committed to providing an unbiased hiring process for its firefighters. This process includes an interview, a general knowledge written test, and a physical agility tests. The physical agility portion consists of three tests. A ladder climb, a swim test and the CPAT. The goal of this process is to ensure that the best-qualified candidates are selected for the position.
Our hiring process is overseen by our local Merit board. The Merit Board also takes into account the experience and qualifications of each candidate in order to make sure that they are well-suited for the job. By following this rigorous hiring process, the Portage Fire Department can ensure that it has the most qualified firefighters on staff.
It is the policy of the City of Portage to provide a harassment-free and equal employment opportunity
work environment for all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender,
national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. All
departments are committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
which provide protection from discrimination for various groups of applicants and employees.
Hiring process:
Applications will be taken year round.
Up to 3 hiring processes per year (if necessary):
Held in March, July, and November.
To apply, applicant must have:
Diploma or GED equivalent.
Valid Driver’s License.
On date of the interview, applicant must have:
Successful completion of swim test and aerial climb within last 365 days (1 year).
Successful completion of written test within last 730 days (2 years). Applicant exempt
from written test if any of the below apply:
Associates degree or higher.
Paramedic license.
Acceptance into accredited paramedic program (through the entrance testing
process).
In order to be placed on the hiring list, applicant must score a minimum of 70%. This scoring
includes:
Previous work history.
Certifications.
Interview score.
In order to receive a job offer, candidate must:
Have minimum certification of Indiana EMT-B or the ability to obtain reciprocity. (Indiana Reciprocity application click here).
Have CPAT card within last 365 days (1 year).
Be at least 18 years old and less than 40 years or already enrolled in INPRS ’77
plan.
***If candidate does not have all the above required completions and
certifications within 60 days of hiring list being certified, candidate will
be removed from hiring list. This does not prevent candidate from going
through the next hiring process.
Employment subject to background check, medical, and psychiatric evaluations.