Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Cadet Academy Applications Open April 20
Published on March 25, 2026
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue (SFFR) will begin accepting applications on April 20 for its next cadet academy. Applications open once a year and the academy is scheduled to begin in early 2027.
“SFFR remains focused on attracting dedicated, high-quality candidates to serve our growing community,” said Chad Quissell, talent acquisition coordinator for the City of Sioux Falls. “We’re seeking individuals who are committed to service, eager to learn and able to perform well in high-pressure situations. No previous firefighting or emergency medical services (EMS) experience is required to apply.”
Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED. An equivalent combination of education, experience or training may be accepted by the hiring authority. Applicants must be ages 21 to 44 with a valid driver’s license. Vision must be correctable to at least 20/40 in each eye and candidates are required to be nonsmokers.
Those who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take part in a virtual entrance exam in June. Applicants who earn top scores on the entrance exam will be invited to an in-person interview.
After the entrance exam and in-person interview process conclude, individuals will be ranked according to their combined scores. Conditional employment offers will be extended to the top-ranking candidates, who will be invited to participate in an individual physical test, along with a psychological exam, a medical exam and a background check.
The hiring process takes place from July to October, with conditional offers extended to those who successfully pass all hiring steps for the 15-week paid cadet academy.
“Serving with SFFR means having a direct impact on our community while pursuing a career that offers room to grow in multiple directions,” said Luke Smidt, division chief. “We work hard to maintain a supportive, team-focused culture, equip our personnel with the latest technology and prioritize ongoing training so our crews are always ready when they’re needed most.”
The SFFR cadet academy teaches the essential skills needed to become a firefighter, including an EMS course that prepares firefighters for the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician certification. Because firefighters respond to medical emergencies in partnership with the ambulance service citywide, the academy emphasizes EMS proficiency alongside core firefighting skills such as nozzle work, water supply, ventilation, rapid intervention, extrication, hazardous materials operations, wildland and rescue operations, ropes and child passenger safety. SFFR members and training officers lead cadets through hands-on instruction and cadets are required to earn their National Pro Board Firefighter I and II certifications.
SFFR is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of city residents. The department has 243 personnel, 209 of whom serve on the front lines, ready to respond.
Although the application does not open until April 20, candidates may begin preparing their materials ahead of time. Applications close May 14.
For more information about the application process and requirements, visit siouxfalls.gov/sffr.