Salary : $61,787.58 Annually
Location : Rockford, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 6-2026
Department: Fire Department
Division: Fire Application
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/26/2026 11:59 PM Central
This is a posting for a Full Time Firefighter/Paramedic Position with The Rockford Department. The City of Rockford is looking for individuals who represent the diversity in thought and experiences which are sharedby our citizens. Candidates must have strong written and communication skills. Candidates should possess good interpersonal skills, common sense and have the ability to problem solve in stressful situations.
Job Description A comprehensive list of a firefighters duties is not possible, but firefighters working within the Rockford Fire Department perform some of the following functions:
-Engages directly in fire fighting, fire prevention and emergency medical service.
- Make sound decisions using knowledge, training and experience.
- Positively interact with our community.
- Employees occupying positions in this class are responsible for for the conservation of life and the protection of property through fire suppression, prevention, and emergency response.
-Responds to all types of rescue, fire suppression, medical and non-medical emergency calls and implements actions required to save lives and protect property.
-Participates in continuing education by studying, training, and drilling to achieve and maintain skills and knowledge.
- Participates in regular fitness program to maintain adequate health and physical strength.
-Supports and assists in the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Department.
-Candidates DO NOT need to possess a Paramedic License to test or be hired. However, once hired, candidates will be sent by The Rockford Fire Department to complete Paramedic School. It is mandatory that all candidates will successfully obtain the certification as a Paramedic.
Minimum Qualifications Driver's License: An applicant shall possess a valid driver's license at the time of hire. At the conclusion of recruit training, the recruit must possess a valid ILLINOIS driver's license with a Class B, Non-CDL Permit. At the conclusion of one-year probation, the recruit must possess a valid ILLINOIS Class B, Non-CDL driver's license.
Education: An Applicant must have a high school diploma or have attained a general equivalency diploma (GED).
Citizenship: Applicants for examination must be U.S. Citizens or those individuals who meet the criteria set forth in 8 U.S.C. Section 1324B, prior to the final date for filing applications.
Vision: An applicant shall have vision correctable to 20/20 in each eye upon time of hire.
Arrest Record: An applicant must not have any felony convictions nor have been convicted of certain misdemeanors. A list of some disqualifications appears at RockfordIL.Gov/Fire under Fire Recruiting.
Residency: Winnebago County, or within fifteen (15) mile radius of the Public Safety Building (PSB) upon completion of probation.
Minimum Age: No individual may be appointed as a sworn member of the Fire Department until he or she has passed his or her twenty first (21st) birthday.
Maximum Age: Applicants for the position in the Fire Department MUST NOT HAVE PASSED THEIR 35TH Birthday as of the closing date for accepting applications. Currently, Paragraph 10-2.1-6.3 of the Act provides that the age limitation does not apply (1) to any person previously employed as a full-time firefighter in a regularly constituted fire department of (a) any municipality or fire protection district in Illinois (b) a fire protection district whose obligations were assumed by a municipality under section 21 of the Fire Protection District Act, or (c) a municipality whose obligations were taken over by a fire protection district. The age limitation also does not apply to any person who has served a municipality as regularly enrolled volunteer, paid on call, or part time firefighter for the 5 years immediately preceding the time that the municipality begins to use full-time firefighters to provide all or part of its fire protection service.
Except as otherwise provided by Paragraph 10-2.1-6.3 of the Act, no person who has attained the age of 35 or more years shall be inducted as a member of the Fire Department. Paragraph 10-2.1-6.3 provides that if a person is placed on an eligibility list and becomes over the age before he or she is appointed to the Fire Department, the person will remain eligible for appointment until the list is abolished, or until his or her name has been on the list for a period of 2 years.
Disqualifications The Commission may refuse to examine, or refuse to certify as eligible, any applicant:
(a) Who is found lacking in any of the established preliminary requirements for the service for which he or she applies, including those requirements set forth in the Act and these Rules and Regulations.
(b) Who uses illegal drugs or abuses prescription drugs or alcohol.
(c) Who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor as defined by Paragraph 10-2.1-6.3 of the Act, as amended from time to time.
(d) Who has been dismissed from any public service for a good cause.
(e) Who has attempted to practice any deception or fraud in his or her application, examinations or interview.
(f) Whose character or employment history are unsatisfactory.
(g) Who does not possess a high school diploma or it's equivalent.
Any applicant deemed disqualified hereunder shall be notified by the Commission.
The City of Rockford offers a competitive benefits package to it's Firefighters. Included in this package is:
Salary
1-6 months $51,486.04
7-12 months$59,685.48
13-24 months $63,149.42
25-30 months $66,611.74
31-36 months $68,473.04
37-48 months $70,326.62
49-84 months $72,170.97
84+ months $84,295.99
In addition to this pay schedule Paramedics with assignment to an ambulance company will receive an additional $3,864.80 per year. An A.L.S. provider not assigned to an ambulance company and maintains valid EMS certifications will receive an additional $2,705.36 per year.
- Health Insurance
The City of Rockford offers an excellent health and dental plan to all employees.
- Holidays
All fifty-one (51) hour personnel shall be entitled to one hundred twenty (120) hours of holiday time, and shall work on holidays if scheduled. Holiday time for 51 hour personnel is earned during the year in which it is taken. Personnel not working a full year on this schedule will have holiday time pro-rated.
- Vacation and Kelly Days
All fifty-one (51) hour employee shall receive 48 hours of vacation time on the first day of the second year.All fifty-one (51) hour employees are entitled to Kelly Days these are based the time of service. Personnel not working a full year will have Kelly Days pro-rated.
- It should be noted that benefits and salary are subject of negotiations between The City of Rockford and I.A.F.F Local 413. These are subject to change.
01
In order to submit this application, you must first pay a fee of $30.00. This fee is non-refundable and is used to offset the cost of the written test. To pay this application fee please visit: verify and place the confirmation number that you received in the space below. Under certain circumstances your application fee can be waived. If you are unable to pay the application fee, due to financial hardship, please call 779-500-6536. You will be required to complete a separate questionnaire. A background check confirming your financial status will be conducted.
02
Do you understand that the City of Rockford and the Rockford Fire Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer?The Rockford Fire Department is committed to the policy of equal employment opportunity in recruitment, hiring, career advancement, and all other personnel practices. Your job-related experience and other qualifications will be considered without discrimination on grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability. All information provided in this application will be treated confidentially, and will be used only to help assure the best use of your abilities if you are employed by us.
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I understand that all questions must be answered. If the question is not applicable to me then I will put a N/A in the space. DO NOT LEAVE A QUESTION BLANK
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What is your First name? Please print in all caps!
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What is your Middle Name? Please print in all caps!
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What is your Last Name? Please print in all caps!
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What is your address? Please include city, state, and zip code.
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What is your age at the time you are filling out this application?
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What is your date of birth? Please respond as follows: Month/Date/Year xx/xx/19xx
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Do you understand that you may apply for the Rockford Fire Department at the age of 19, but you must be 21 years old to be hired as a Sworn Member of The Rockford Fire Department?
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Do you understand that you must not have passed your 35th birthday by the closing date of the application? (July 25, 2026)
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What is your gender?
- Male
- Female
- Do not wish to discolse
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What is your race?
- Caucasian
- African American
- Hispanic
- Asian
- Do not wish to disclose
- Other
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Do you have a driver's license?
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Is your vision correctable to 20/20?
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Do you have any Scars, Tattoos, or other distinguishing marks? Answer either yes or no, If yes, then describe the scars, tattoos or marks.
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What is your social security number?
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What is your current marital status?
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Are you a U.S. Citizen?
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Are you a Rockford, Illinois resident?
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What is your place of birth? Please list Country, City, State.Example: USA, Rockford, Illinois
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What is your telephone number? Please respond by XXX-XXX-XXXX
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Do you have a alternate phone number? If so please provide it.
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What is your email address?
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Are you currently serving in the military, (including Reserves and National Guard)? Answer yes or no. If YES, list the date your obligation ends.
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If you did serve as an active member of any branch of the U.S. Military Reserve Forces or National Guard Unit what was your Rank, Unit, and the dates from the start to the end.
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Have you ever been barred from military enlistment or re-enlistment. Answer with either yes or no. If YES, briefly explain below and explain in detail to the background investigator.
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What year did you graduate from High School or obtain your GED Certificate?
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Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?
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List in chronological order all the High Schools you have attended with the name, address, City and State.Example: School Name, Address, City, State
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List in chronological order all the Colleges or University you have attended with the name, address, City and State.Example; College, Address, City, State
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What was or is your Major in college?
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List any trade schools you attended or any other certifications you have.
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Have you applied with the Rockford Fire Department before? If so, what year?
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Are you currently a firefighter?
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If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please give the details regarding your certifications and training. Example: HAZMAT Awareness, Basic Ops, Firefighter, etc.
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Are you currently a certified EMT-Basic, EMT-I, or EMT-Paramedic?
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If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide details as to the certification, the state in which you are certified, and the expiration date of your certification.Example: EMT-P, Illinois, 7-2020
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Do you have any other medical degrees or certifications?Example: RN, CCRN, NP
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Cont #1List all jobs you have held beginning with your current, most recent job. List the Employers Name, Phone, Address, City, State, Zip, Job Description, Dates Of Employment with month and year from beginning to end, Salary, list (Full-Time, Part-Time, Voluntary, Military, Other), Supervisor's Name, Co-Workers Names, Reason For Leaving, and if you object to us contacting them by putting "yes or no". Include periods of unemployment. Put your present or most recent job first. Include military service in proper time sequence along with temporary or part-time jobs. if you need more space use Cont #1 and Cont #2.Example:(1) Wal-Mart, 815-987-4344, 1234 1st St, Rockford, IL, 61101, Stocker, 8/12 - 9/13, $34,000.00 year, Part-time, Supervisor - Bill Gates, Co-Worker - Amy Allen, Better Pay, No.(2)
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Cont #2List all jobs you have held beginning with your current, most recent job. List the Employers Name, Phone, Address, City, State, Zip, Job Description, Dates Of Employment with month and year from beginning to end, Salary, list (Full-Time, Part-Time, Voluntary, Military, Other), Supervisor's Name, Co-Workers Names, Reason For Leaving, and if you object to us contacting them by putting "yes or no". Include periods of unemployment. Put your present or most recent job first. Include military service in proper time sequence along with temporary or part-time jobs. if you need more space use Cont #1 and Cont #2.Example:(1) Wal-Mart, 815-987-4344, 1234 1st St, Rockford, IL, 61101, Stocker, 8/12 - 9/13, $34,000.00 year, Part-time, Supervisor - Bill Gates, Co-Worker - Amy Allen, Better Pay, No.(2)
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Have you ever been suspended from any job for disciplinary reasons? Please explain in detail for what and why. This includes formal reprimands also. or Have you been formally reprimanded from any job for disciplinary reasons? Please provide the date of the incident.
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Have you ever been fired / terminated from any job or resigned in lieu of being fired? Put either yes or no. If YES, explain briefly in detail here and to the background investigator.
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During the course of the background investigation, persons who know you will be contacted and interviewed. Inquires will be limited to job-related matters. Please list the full name, address, and telephone number of your living Father, Mother, Spouse, Father-In-Law, Mother-In-Law, Former Spouse, Brother, Sister, Step-Father, Step Mother, Step-Brother and Step-Sister.Example:Father - John Doe, 1234 4th St, 815-988-4567Brother - Jack Doe, 1234 4th St, 815-988-4567Brother (2) - Jason Doe, 1234 4th St, 185-988-4567.
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List the name, current address, current phone and the dates from and to for all individuals with whom you have lived during the past 10 years (including fiances), excluding relatives.Example:Friend - Jennifer Aines, 1882 7th St, Rockford, IL, 61084, 815-876-4540, 3/12 - current
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List the name, address and telephone number of more then four references that have knowledge of you and your qualifications. Do not list relatives or former employers.Example: Steven Erheran, 8765 West St, Rockford, IL, 64537, 815-987-5757
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Have you ever been evicted from any residence? If Yes, explain.
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Have you ever been a suspect in any criminal matter. Answer with either yes or no. If YES, explain briefly below and in detail.
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Have you ever been CONVICTED of a felony?
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Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor within the last 3 years? If yes, please list criminal offense, when it occurred and the outcome.
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Have you ever been accused of theft, misappropriation, improper documentation, under-ringing or any similar situation by any employer? Put either yes or no. If YES, please provide the date and explain here.
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Have you ever filed or declared bankruptcy? Answer with either yes or no. If YES, explain briefly ( when, where, and why) and explain in detail to the background investigator.
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Have your wages ever been garnished? Answer with either yes or no. If YES, explain briefly below and in detail to the background investigator.
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Have you ever been delinquent on any tax payment? Answer with either yes or no. If YES, explain briefly below and in detail to the background investigator.
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Are you now meeting all court-ordered support obligations that have been placed against you? Answer with either yes, no, or N/A. If NO, explain briefly below and in detail to the background investigator.
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Have you ever been involved in any matter that may be covered by one or more of the following terms: conditional discharge; court supervision; release; parole; probation (or any similar wording)? Answer with either yes or no. If YES, please provide a date and explain briefly below.
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Have you ever been detained or questioned by a police agency? Answer with either yes or no. If YES, explain briefly below and in detail.
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Have you ever been served with an Order of Protection? Answer with either yes or no. If YES, explain briefly below and in detail.
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Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of any crime related to Domestic Violence? Answer with either yes or no. If YES, explain briefly below and in detail.
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Have you ever been subject to a D.C.F.S. (Department of Child and Family Services, or similar agency) investigation? Answer with either yes or no. If YES, explain briefly below and in detail.
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Have you ever been a member of, or in any way associated with any organized crime, street gang, outlaw motorcycle groups, anti-government movements, hate group or terrorist organization, or any group that could be considered to be related to any of the above? Answer with either yes or no. If YES, explain briefly below and in detail.
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Have you been convicted of a Driving Under the Influence charge within the last 5 years? Answer with yes or no. If yes give the year of the conviction.
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List your current Driver License Number and State.Example: B123-2345-6789, Illinois
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Do you have any limitations or conditions that effect your ability to drive? Answer with either yes or no. If YES, explain in detail.
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List the State, Name, and License Number, of all other states in which you have held a driver's license. If none put N/A.Example(1) California, Jermaine Dye , 1234567
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List all traffic citations you have received and the disposition. You will need to list the Nature of the Violation, Approximate Date, City, State, Final Disposition.Example(1) disregard traffic control device, 5/13/13, Rockford, Illinois, guilty paid fine
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I understand that all documents which are turned into the Rockford Fire Department will not be returned and will become the property of the Rockford Fire Department.
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What is your reason for testing with The Rockford Fire Department?
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List any community, civic, volunteer or similar activities you have been involved in. Include names of organizations, approximate dates, duties, names of contact persons and other pertinent information. If none put N/A.
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I understand that I must submit a total of 1 packet. The packet must contain the following information:1. Your printed out application 2. ***Certified*** Copy of Birth Certificate.3. Copy of College Diploma.4. "Official" sealed / unopened transcripts from all University and Colleges attended.5. Copy of High School Diploma.6. "Official" sealed / unopened transcripts from all High Schools.7. Copy of Marriage License(s).8. Copy of Divorce Decree(s).9. ***Certified*** Copy of Military DD214.10. Copy of Driver License, front and back.11. Copy of Social Security Card, front and back.12. Copy of Name Change Documents.13. Copy of Citizenship or Naturalization Documents.14. Letters of Recommendation "Optional".The packet should have your Last Name, First Name and Middle Initial printed on the front of the brown 9"x12" Catalog Envelope. You will need a total of one packet. Make sure all the above documents are inside. Incomplete packets will result in failure of the process. Some of the items may take a few weeks to obtain. You need to plan accordingly. Do you understand what is expected of you for the required documents.
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I understand if I have a question that I can contact Recruiter Chaney at 779-500-6536 or email the recruiter at Robert.Chaney@rockfordil.gov.
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I understand I will need to bring my drivers license or State Identification Card to the written test.
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I understand that this position requires me to become a Firefighter/Paramedic for the Rockford Fire Department.
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I understand that Rockford Firefighters work a 24 on and 48 hours off shift schedule.
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I understand that if I am late to a test or do not show up for a test that I will no longer be considered for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic with the Rockford Fire Department.
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I understand that it is the responsibility of the applicant to monitor email accounts for updates on The Rockford Fire Department hiring process.
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I will allow the Rockford Fire Department to conduct a DCFS, Credit, Social Security, and any other background checks that pertains to the application process.
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I hereby certify that all statements made on this application are true and complete. I understand that any misstatements of material facts, or omissions, will subject me to immediate disqualification from this testing / application / hiring process. Further, should any misstatements or omissions not be determined until after I am hired as a Rockford Firefighter, I understand I will be subject to immediate dismissal.
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I understand that to claim 5 points for RESIDENCY, applicants must be residents of The City of Rockford on the date for submission of employment applications. As used herein, a "resident" shall mean one who resides at a physical location within the City of Rockford limits on a permanent basis with the intent to remain for an indefinite time. I understand 5 MILITARY Points will b issued to those who were engaged in Military or Naval Service of the United Stated for a period of at least 1 year and who were honorably discharged therefrom or who are now or hereafter on inactive or reserve duty in such military or naval service. I understand 5 EDUCATION Points will be given to those who have successfully obtained an associate degree in the field of Fire Science or Emergency Medical Services, or who have successfully obtained a bachelor's degree in any subject from an accredited college or university.
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Please tell us how you heard The Rockford Fire Department was accepting applications.
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Rockford City Website
- Rockford Register Star
- Job/Career Fair
- Recruiting Brochure
- FireRecruit.com
- FireCareers.com
- Firejobs.com
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Other
Required Question