The Bozeman Fire Department has been providing professional and compassionate service to the Bozeman community since 1884.  From the first steam engine in 1889 to the new Bozeman Public Safety Center in 2022, the men and women of the Bozeman Fire Department continue to pursue excellence in their day-to-day operations while continually keeping an eye to the future to keep up with the growing demands of our community.  The department continues to work on the implementation of the 2017 Fire Protection Master Plan as well as the 2022 Fire Department Strategic to ensure we are meeting the needs and expectations of our community.  The department continues to maintain its ISO Class 2 rating and is currently in pursuit of Accreditation via the Center for Public Safety Excellence.  The department provide fire suppression, EMS, technical rescue, hazardous materials, and community risk reduction services to our community, all while maintaining the values and culture that have served us well since 1884.  Your Bozeman Fire Department is comprised of some of the finest men and women who are highly trained and dedicated to providing exceptional service to you and our community and it is our honor to serve you. 

Yours in Service,

Fire Chief, Joshua L Waldo, EFO, CFO

MISSION

Problem Solving Through Professionalism and Compassionate Service since 1884

VISION

 We will provide exceptional service as a unified team to promote a professional department that grows with the community.

CORE VALUES

Excellence and Integrity

Organization, Divisions, Programs and Services. 

Bozeman Fire Department employs 50 full time employees. The department is organized into 3 distinct functional groups. The administration of the department is overseen by the Fire Chief who manages two assistant chiefs and an executive assistant. Each assistant chief is responsible for their own subdivision of the department. The Deputy Chief of Operations oversees the emergency service delivery through the management of three battalion chiefs and one training captain. The Deputy Chief of Prevention is responsible for fire prevention and education services with a staff of 3 fire inspectors. The Deputy Chief of Prevention also functions as the Fire Marshal.  

Administration 

The fire department administration is responsible for all aspects of the fire department’s mission. The Fire Chief delegates authority to subordinates who oversee the operation and delivery of emergency services, as well as community risk reduction through education, prevention, and investigation. The administrative branch of the fire department coordinates with City of Bozeman staff to provide for human resources services, financial planning and budgeting, facility maintenance, information technology, legal counsel, as well as other fundamental government services.  

Operations 

The Deputy Chief of Operations is responsible for the execution of fire department provided emergency services through three battalions (A, B, and C). Each battalion works for a 48-hour assignment followed by an off-duty period of 96 hours. The three battalions provide an all-hazards response approach to emergencies and calls for service for the City of Bozeman, limited mutual aid, and contracted service areas. The Deputy Chief of Operations delegates responsibility to the Training Captain for the planning and implementation of organization wide training to maintain proficiency and certifications needed to fulfill the fire department’s mission.  

Prevention 

The Deputy Chief of Prevention, and the staff of three fire inspectors, is responsible for the community risk reduction mission of the fire department through fire and life safety inspection, code enforcement, public education, and fire investigation.