Current Employment

The City of Oxford Fire Department currently consists of:

  • Fire Chief: John Detherage
  • Fire Chief's Assistant & Office Manager: Treva Pierce
  • 3 Full-time Captains: Capt. Jay Fields, Capt. Chris Meador, and Capt. Shawn Wurzelbacher
  • 2 Part-time Lieutenants: Brian Oliver and Johnny Smith
  • 8 Full-time Firefighter/Paramedics:  Thom Radomski-Bomba, Colson Bryan, Patrick Clendinning, Jim Foster, Clayton Pearson, Charles Smith, Cade Tatum, and Tyler Teeters.
  • 1 Part-time Inspector: Eric Tombragel
  • 23 Part-time Firefighter/Paramedics/Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
  • 9 Student Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)

Before You Apply for Employmentfirefighter

While we are very glad that you are interested in employment with the Oxford Fire Department, we think it’s vitally important at the onset of this process to communicate to you the significance of our organizational values and how they play a role in hiring new employees. The screening

process is multifaceted and will, by necessity, probe into your life experiences to make sure they align with our requirements. Your integrity and honesty (two of our key values) will be evaluated, and it starts with this letter.

There are some life experiences that will automatically disqualify you from employment with the Oxford Fire Department. The purpose of this letter is to provide an overview of these disqualifiers so that you can make an informed decision on whether to apply or to seek other employment. In addition, we want to give you a little insight into our organization.

At this point in the process, you are the best person to judge your suitability for employment. Please, conduct your self-evaluation with integrity and honesty. If you pass the test, we cannot wait to meet you. If you don’t, then you’ve just saved yourself the embarrassment of being rejected during the screening process. If you have any questions or need clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Disqualifiers

  • Arrest and conviction of a felony.
  • Arrest and conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude (e.g., theft).
  • Arrest and conviction for domestic violence.
  • Undetected crimes – If you have perpetrated or been a party to a criminal act which has been undetected by any law enforcement agency that in the State of Ohio would be a felony offense, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or domestic violence, and that undetected crime is not revealed during the interview process but instead is disclosed as part of the polygraph examination, the Oxford Division of Fire will not consider you for employment.
  • Not having a valid operator’s license.
  • Driving record with multiple offenses, an element of which is carelessness or disregard for other motorists/pedestrians.
  • Arrest and conviction for OMVI (Operate a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated) more than one time.
  • Arrest and conviction for OMVI within the past five (5) years. If the OMVI conviction occurred while a juvenile (<18 years of age), within the past three (3) years.
  • Usage of any illegal drug or the unlawful use of prescription drugs within the past three (3) years.
  • More than experimental usage of one or more of the following illegal substances during your lifetime: Cocaine, Hashish, Heroin, Marijuana, LSD, Meth, any inhalant, or the unlawful use of prescription drugs.
  • Selling drugs illegally during lifetime

Want to become a student firefighter of EMS member? Learn about the Student EMT Program.

Student EMT Program

The Student EMT Program is an experiential learning program designed to supplement your collegiate experience. This program provides hands-on learning in the provision of pre-hospital emergency medicine, including patient assessment, treatment, and documentation. It is an opportunity to build skills as part of a team environment, which reflects well on those who include their experience on a resume. 

The Student EMT program is open to Miami University students who hold an Ohio Emergency Medical Technician (or higher) certification.  

If you are certified in another state, you should contact the Ohio Division of Emergency Medical Services as soon as possible to begin the reciprocity process and obtain your Ohio certification before applying for the program. 

Prior to applying, you should be registered for, actively attending, or have completed an EMT education program. If you have an EMT certification from another state, you should begin the Ohio reciprocity process prior to applying.  

EMT education programs are available through many career centers throughout the country. Locally, schools like Butler Tech, Warren County Career Center, Sinclair Community College, Cincinnati State, and Great Oaks have EMT education courses several times throughout the year. 

Successful applicants portray reliability, a strong work ethic, sound judgment and reasoning, a willingness to learn, an ability to work as a member of a team, and a desire to serve the community. 

You will be required to provide 24 hours per month of on-station, on-call time each month during the Fall and Spring Semesters. During this time, you will work with a Firefighter/Paramedic and a Firefighter/EMT on an ambulance, providing care and writing patient care reports. Some daytime hours on-station hours are required. Additionally, you must attend one of the two monthly training meetings and complete some online continuing education courses.  

First, and foremost, educational and practical experience that looks great on a resume and sounds good in medical or PA school interviews! We provide compensation while on EMS incidents (paid on-call); and while attending your mandatory training meetings, as well as for certain additional opportunities – including some at a premium rate of pay. You also receive continuing education hours that will ensure that you are able to renew your National Registry and State of Ohio EMS certifications. During downtime, you are free to study and complete coursework. 

If you have questions about the Student EMT Program, you can contact Thom Radomski-Bomba by calling the firehouse at 513-523-6324 or emailing him at tradomski-bomba@cityofoxford.org.

You can apply online here! Interviews are generally scheduled for the early Fall Semester and late Spring Semester. Those selected from the interviews will be subject to a polygraph, background investigation, and medical examination by a physician prior to appointment. 

Mid-year entry interviews to fill remaining openings for the 2025-2026 program year will be held in mid-September of 2025. 

Interviews for the 2026-2027 program year will be held in mid-April of 202

What if you are entering your senior year?

Due to the cost associated with hiring, those entering their senior year will not be considered a high priority for the Student EMT Program. 

Are there program population limits?

The Student EMT Program is limited to 12 individuals, 3 from each graduating class. First-year and sophomore students are strongly encouraged to apply. 

What if you are already a Firefighter and EMT 

Individuals holding both a Firefighter I (or higher) and an EMT (or higher) certification from the State of Ohio should consider applying for part-time positions. Student EMTs with these qualifications can also pick up shifts, which are paid hourly, rather than paid on-call. 

A Brief History of Oxford Fire:

At its inception in 1833, the Oxford Fire Department was comprised of 36 volunteer service providers, serving 731 residents. Over the years, with the growth of Oxford, Miami University, and the surrounding area, the call volume has increased dramatically.   

Today, the Oxford Fire Department receives over 3,300 calls for service annually. The department is staffed by a combination of full-time, part-time, and Student EMTs, dedicated to serving the community 24/7/365.