Message from the Chief

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 it's 2025-2029 Fire Department Strategic Plan to ensure that we are meeting the needs and expectations

 

The department continues to maintain its ISO Class 2 rating and obtained international third-party accreditation via the Center for Public Safety Excellence in April of 2025. 

The department provides 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

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Organization, Divisions, Programs and Services 

The Bozeman Fire Department has a dedicated team of 67 full-time staff members, organized into three main divisions: Administration, Operations, and Prevention. At the helm is the Fire Chief, who leads two Deputy Chiefs, the Battalion Chief of Support Services, the Training Captain, three Response Battalion Chiefs, an Executive Assistant and the Firefighters in the department across three fire stations.

Administration 

The Bozeman Fire Department Administrative Division is responsible for all aspects of the department's mission.  The Fire Chief empowers skilled team members to manage emergency service operations and foster community risk reduction through education, prevention, and investigation efforts.

The administrative branch of the fire department works with the City of Bozeman staff to provide essential services such as human resources, financial planning and budgeting, facility maintenance, information technology, and legal counsel.

Operations 

The Deputy Chief of Operations oversees the delivery of emergency services within the fire department. This role is responsible for managing the emergency services executed by three battalions—A, B, and C. The Deputy Chief delegates responsibilities to the Battalion Chief of Support Services and the Training Captain, who are responsible for planning and implementing training programs across the organization. These programs are essential for maintaining the proficiency and certifications necessary to achieve the fire department's mission.

Each battalion utilizes an all-hazards response approach to address emergencies and service calls for the City of Bozeman. They also provide mutual aid and contracted services to surrounding areas. Each battalion operates on a 48-hour shift schedule, followed by 96 hours off duty. Shifts are strategically scheduled across three stations to ensure the best possible protection and service for the City of Bozeman.

Prevention 

The Deputy Chief of Prevention, who also serves as the Fire Marshal, manages fire prevention and education services. Their team includes three fire inspectors and one fire plans examiner.

This team is responsible for the fire department's mission of community risk reduction. This includes fire and life safety inspections, code enforcement, public education, and fire investigations.