Fire Chief: Jeremie Bresnahan
Assistant Fire Chiefs: 2
Administration: 1
Full-time Firefighters: 12
Part-time Firefighters: 18

2025 Statistics:
Calls for Service: 2,170

Work Environment:

•  2 operating fire stations:
  • Fire Station 1: Staffed
  • Fire Station 2: On-call
• 9 apparatus
  • New ladder truck in 2024
  • New engine in 2025
  • New rescue boat in 2025
• Well-equipped and maintained trucks and equipment
• Living quarters in Station 1

Responsible for performing fire suppression activities, emergency medical services; responding to alarms, hazardous materials, and other emergency calls; inspections; extinguishing and controlling fires; protecting life and property and operating and maintaining fire equipment. This position also participates in training and maintenance activities.

Full-time Firefighter

2026 Compensation & Benefits:

• Annual starting pay is $83,807.36
• Salary range is $83,807.36 - $110,393.92 annually
• Paramedic incentive pay of $0.50 per hour
• International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) union representation
• Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) Police & Fire Pension
• Holiday pay
• Paid vacation and sick
• Wellness Program, embedded mental health professional, and CIRT K9 on staff
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Flexible spending and daycare accounts
• Deferred compensation plans
• City-paid short and long-term disability insurance and life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement program

Part-time Firefighter

2026 Compensation & Benefits:

• Starting at $23.48 per hour
• Holiday pay
• PERA Pension
• Paid EMT and Fire Academy certifications
• Paid EMT and Fire Academy training hours
• Wellness Program, embedded mental health professional, and CIRT K9 on staff
• Deferred compensation plans

Wellness Program 

• Mental/Emotional Well-being: The Savage Fire Department has a CIRT K9 on staff. Marshall, a 3-year-old chocolate lab, joined our team from the non-profit organization K9's for Freedom and Independence. He is trained to detect high cortisol levels (stress) and provide support.

• An embedded mental health professional is dedicated to our team and is on-site for staff each month. The department is also in the process of establishing a Peer Support Program.

• Workout On Duty Program: Employees can exercise while on-duty, within parameters, while remaining available for calls.  

Full-time Firefighter: 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Respond to emergency fire, rescue, medical, hazardous material, or other incidents in accordance with department, city, and national standards.
• Operate department apparatus and equipment in an emergent and non-emergent response.
• Administer emergency medical treatment and care.
• Participate in training and attend classes to maintain proficiency.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of apparatus, equipment, grounds, and buildings.
• Assist with community risk reduction efforts.
• Participate in continuing education to maintain or upgrade knowledge as required by department policy or state mandates.
• Prepare and maintain records and reports.
• Work within committees.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Minnesota Driver’s License by date of hire.
• One (1) year of training and experience as a firefighter in a combination or full-time Fire Department.
• Licensed by the State of Minnesota as a firefighter, or the ability to obtain licensing within one year of hire (Minnesota Statute §299N).
• Meet the minimum physical fitness standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), including completing an annual physical agility/endurance test.
• Be a U.S. citizen or have proof of a legal right to work in the U.S.
• Certified by the NREMT as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or higher.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Fire Science or closely related field.
• Paramedic certification.
• Blue Card Command Certification (online and simulation lab).
• Certified Minnesota Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO).
• IFSAC and/or ProBoard certified as a Fire Instructor I and II.
• IFSAC and/or ProBoard certified as a Fire Officer I and II.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor.
• National Child Passenger Safety Certification.
• Experience with fire and building codes.

Part-time Firefighter:

Conditions of Employment:

• Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Must successfully pass the Fire Department physical agility test.
• Must successfully complete the Scott County Fire Academy or be State Certified as Firefighter I and II within the probationary period.
• Must successfully complete and maintain a National Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or above.
• Must pass a comprehensive pre-employment physical exam, drug screen, and psychological evaluation.

Minimum Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to obtain licensing from the State of Minnesota as a Firefighter within one year of hire (Minnesota Statute §299N).
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid and unrestricted Minnesota Driver's License.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalency.
• Savage resident or required to move within and continue to maintain residency within the response zone.