Firefighter/Paramedic

Application Process

The Chicago Heights Board of Fire and Police Commissioners is accepting applications for the position of firefighter/paramedic. All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements established by the Chicago Heights Fire Department:

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Possess a valid driver's license with good driving record (will be required proof of identification at all phases of testing)
• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• At least 18 years of age and UNDER 35 years of age at time of the application deadline (October 26, 2026) to apply unless otherwise exempt by State Statute. Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire
• No felony convictions
• Must be a certified Paramedic (EMT-P) - OR - be enrolled in and currently attending an accredited Paramedic program and provide documentation upon request (at time of application)
• Pass a mandatory on-line written exam administration starting at 9 AM on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 through Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 4 PM
• Must present a valid CPAT and Ladder Climb certification with any licensed agency, issued no more than 12 months prior to time of job appointment
• Must meet the requirements of a background investigation, pass an oral examination, and medical, drug, psychological and polygraph tests
• Certified as a paramedic in the South Cook County Emergency Medical Service System at Ingalls Hospital, Harvey, Illinois and the State of Illinois prior to the date the candidate is hired as a Firefighter/Paramedic for the city
• New hires may reside ANYWHERE in the State of Illinois or Indiana, within a 50 mile radius of the City of Chicago Heights Police Department Headquarters
• Pay a $48.00 non-refundable application processing fee
• Application deadline is Monday, October 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Orientation

It is strongly recommended that you attend an orientation on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM (CST).

Preference Points

Preference Points will be awarded as determined by the City of Chicago Heights for the following:

• Military Veterans
• Education
• Paramedic Certification
• Residency
• Experience

Pay

• Starting: $76,312 as of 5/1/2026
• After 5 Years: $99,299
• Incentives/Certification Pay of 6.14% OVER base pay with the following certifications: Advanced FF, FAE, VMO/CPVR and Hazmat Technician, COFO/FO1
• Regular and Full-Time qualified Firefighter/Paramedics with one to five years of experience may be eligible for an advanced step salary under the current wage schedule.

Contact Information

Chicago Heights Fire Department CHFD Headquarters Station #3, 83 East Joe Orr Road, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Website: www.cityofchicagoheights.org
Phone: 708-756-5370