Employment Opportunities

How To Become a Belleville Firefighter

The City of Belleville Fire Department seeks individuals with a high degree of personal and professional integrity to participate in a competitive testing process. The application process begins in late spring of even numbered years. Testing occurs in the early summer of even numbered years. A new hiring list is then established in the fall which is the Final Eligibility List effective for two years upon approval of the Police and Fire Commission.

Water Rescue Training
Rescue Training

Minimum Eligibility / Qualifications & Conditions of Employment Requirements

Applicants for testing and for appointment to become a Probationary Firefighter must meet the following criteria:

  • Submit the completed application by the mandated deadline
  • Be a citizen of the United States at the time of appointment
  • Possess a valid Class "B" driver's license within 12 months from the date of hire
  • Be able to pass a physical agility test
  • Pass a written exam
  • Pass a psychological exam
  • Pass a medical exam, including a drug screening
  • Pass a Police Department background check, including a polygraph exam
  • Submit a classifiable set of fingerprints during background check which shall be furnished to the Illinois Department of State Police and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Have excellent interpersonal skills and a desire to help and serve others
  • Show maturity, responsibility, and respect
  • Have the ability to read, write, and articulate well and have competent grammar and spelling skills
  • Have knowledge and skills in the use of computers and software applications

Age Requirements

The City of Belleville adheres to the Illinois Statutes (Sec. 10-2.1-6. Examination of Applicants; Disqualifications (65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6)) which set certain age requirements for induction into fire departments. Generally, all applicants for a position in the fire department of the municipality shall be under 35 years of age (or otherwise in accordance with Illinois State Statutes) on the date of appointment, and must be 21 years of age on the date of appointment. 

The age limitation above does not apply as described below:

  • To any person previously employed as a firefighter in a regularly constituted fire department of (1.) any municipality or, (2.) a fire protection district whose obligations were assumed by a municipality under Section 21 of the Fire Protection District Act
  • To any person who has served a municipality as a regularly enrolled volunteer firefighter for 5 years immediately preceding the time that municipality begins to use full time firefighters to provide all or part of its fire protection service

Education Requirements