The Western Lakes Fire District is always looking for talented individuals to join our team.
What is the Western Lakes Fire District?
The Western Lakes Fire District was formed in 2017 which comprises of the Dousman Fire District formed in 1969 and provides fire, EMS, and rescue services for the Town of Ottawa, Village of Summit, and Village of Dousman, Plus the Oconomowoc Fire Department. The Western Lakes Fire District is a progressive and growing fire department located in southeastern Wisconsin with a yearly call volume of approximately 1,400 calls. The Fire District provides fire, rescue, and emergency medical services from four stations to approximately 30,000 residents in six communities over 150 square miles in Waukesha and Jefferson counties. The Western Lakes Fire District is currently licensed at the EMT-Paramedic level. The Western Lakes Fire District is a combination fire department, which includes ten full-time personnel, two part-time personnel, along with approximately 120 paid-on-call personnel. In 2014, the Dousman Fire District responded to 1,440 emergency calls, with 1,091 being EMS calls.
Who are the Firefighters and EMTs?
The Western Lakes Fire District is made up of dedicated residents that are committed to helping out the community. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and professions, and their reasons for becoming a member of our team are just as diverse. Some just want to give back to the community that they live in, while others want to make fire and EMS a career. Whatever their reasons, becoming a member of the Western Lakes Fire District is a great way to make a difference in people’s lives.
What We Value
- Pride
We take pride in each other, the department, the community, the service, our traditions, our mission, and ourselves. - Progressiveness
We are willing to change, take educated risks, and move forward. - Integrity
We are true to our values at all times. - Teamwork
We strive for unity and working together with our fellow members. - Trust
We are trustworthy and supportive of the community and the organization.
How can I become a Firefighter or EMT?
Any member of the community is invited to apply to the Western Lakes Fire District. The minimum requirements are as follows:
- 18 years of age or older
- Valid Wisconsin drivers license
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Subject to criminal background check and drug test
- Live or work within the District, or within an acceptable distance approved by the Fire Chief
- Successful completion of District-provided Firefighter I or EMT-Basic class within one year of application
Class Requirements
Firefighter I
Firefighter I is the entry level course required for all new firefighters in the State of Wisconsin. The course instructs the student in the basics of firefighting and provides the opportunity to demonstrate and practice the basic skills. The course is approximately 40% classroom instruction and 60% hands-on practical skills.
For more information regarding firefighter certification, please see the Wisconsin Technical College System’s web site.
Emergency Medical Technician – Basic
EMT-Basic gives students the skills to assess and manage all types of medical illnesses and traumatic injuries. Airway management, bleeding and shock, emergency childbirth, and automatic external defibrillation are just a few of topics covered.
Requirements to obtain an EMT-Basic license in Wisconsin include:
- CPR for the professional rescuer/healthcare provider
- Approximately 120 hours of classroom instruction
- 10 hours of clinical work in a hospital emergency room
- Successfully passing the NREMT written and practical exams
- Passing a background check and possible random drug screening
For more information regarding EMT certification, please see the State of Wisconsin’s web site.
To fill out an application, follow one of the two options: