DAKOTA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 3400

Join our all-volunteer Fire Department!

Dakota’s volunteer firefighters include the young, as well as veterans. They are accountants, insurance sales people, computer technicians, mechanics, stay-at-home parents, and the self-employed. They are your neighbors. In some cases, the Dakota Fire Department is a family tradition that includes grandfathers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and, even husband and wife teams. Some employers even allow firefighters to respond from their workplace.

Read more about how to join the Dakota Fire Department:

• Frequently asked questions
• Qualifications
• Benefits
• Application materials

Frequently asked questions

Must I live in the Dakota Fire District to be a volunteer firefighter?

All volunteer firefighters are required to live or work within an approved responding distance from the fire station. Dakota firefighters pride themselves on response time to most fire calls.

What kind of training is involved?

Dakota firefighters are trained in a wide range of technical skills. Some of these skills include fire suppression, hazardous materials incidents, confined space rescue, water and ice rescue, vehicle extrication, disaster response, and fire prevention education.

Is there a cost for the required for training?

No. Training is done at the fire station or off-site classes are arranged through various Technical College’s or vendors that are approved by the board of trustees.

If I have prior fire/rescue training and experience, will it count towards Dakota training requirements?

Yes. Proof of your training, such as class records and/or grades must be approved by the Fire Chief and added to your Dakota Fire Department personnel file.

Do men and women have equal requirements for entry and training?

Yes. Medical and physical requirements follow OSHA and NFPA standards.

Are the Dakota firefighters directly paid or compensated?

Yes. You receive mileage compensation of $10.00 per fire call.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age and out of high school.
• Must be able to effectively read and write the English language.
• Must pass physical and psychological exam and agility test requirements.
• Must live within responding distance from station (board-approved address required).
• Must respond to 30% of fire calls each quarter for your assigned station.
• Must attend weekly drills; three unexcused consecutive drill absences results in automatic dismissal.
• Must attend 50% of scheduled drills for each six month period.
• Must attend rookie training through the Technical College and Fire Department.

Benefits

• Fellowship and education.
• Tuition reimbursement program for fire science related classes.

Application materials

The following forms should be completed and mailed to:

Dakota Fire Department
118 East Main St.
Dakota, IL 61018
.

For more information, contact:

Chris Wells, Fire Chief
118 East Main St.
Dakota, IL 61018
PH: 815-449-2490