Municipal fire department · Nebraska · United States

Omaha Fire Department

The Omaha Fire Department (OFD) protects the City of Omaha — approximately 485,000 residents across roughly 145 square miles on the Missouri River, the largest city in Nebraska. The department fields about 625 uniformed members from around 25 fire stations and operates a fully integrated fire-EMS model: every operational firefighter is at least EMT-certified, paramedic units provide advanced life support transport, and the same workforce handles fire suppression, ALS emergency medical service, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, swiftwater rescue (the Missouri River and seasonal flooding create real exposure), and aircraft rescue and firefighting at Eppley Airfield. Tornado response and severe-weather operations are routine parts of the operational picture for Omaha and the surrounding region. Firefighter recruitment is administered by the City of Omaha Human Resources Department. The process typically includes an online application, civil service entrance examination, the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), medical and psychological evaluation, polygraph and background investigation, and an oral interview. Successful candidates attend the OFD Training Division for a multi-month recruit course covering structural firefighting, EMT/paramedic certification, technical rescue, and hazmat awareness. Application windows align with budgeted academy classes — confirm current eligibility on the official portal. Bluewatch refers candidates there.