Qualifications to Apply

 No individual may be appointed as a sworn member until he or she has passed his or her 21st birthday. Applicants must not have passed their 35th birthday as of the closing date of the application period.

 Applicant must have a valid Illinois driver’s license at the time of appointment to the department and at the conclusion of recruit training must possess an Illinois class B, non CDL permit  

 Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or meet the criteria set forth in 8 U.S.C Section 1324B, prior to the closing of the application period.  

 Applicant must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. before applying.  

 Vision must be correctable to 20/20 in each eye.  

 An Applicant must not have any felony convictions nor have been convicted of certain misdemeanors.   

 Employees must live in Winnebago County or within 15 miles of the Public Safety Building within 12 months of date of hire. 

 A written test will be administered to accepted applicants. The written test may include, but is not limited to: understanding oral information, reading comprehension, analyzing data, true/false and multiple choice questions. 

 A physical ability test will be conducted to determine if the candidate is physically able to perform various tasks, related to the job of firefighting, within certain time constraints. This will be rated on a pass/fail basis. 

 Candidates will interview with certified assessment professional. 

A thorough background investigation shall be completed on each candidate.

 The candidate will have an oral interview with the Board of Fire and Police Commission. 

 Medical screening is part of the process and will include a physical and drug test. 

  The Commission shall prepare, post and maintain an Eligibility List of all applicants whose final examination score is not less than the minimum fixed by the Commission, and who are otherwise eligible.  Applicants shall be ranked upon the Eligibility List in the order as determined by the examinations.  The Eligibility List for Original Appointment will remain in place for two years from date of approval.