Firefighting in general is a great profession, however, morale is not very high here right now. - Firefighter/Paramedic Des Moines Fire Department Employee Review

The thought of helping people when they are at their worst is a very rewarding profession. A former Chief said "We are the last ones who get called" and he was right in the fact that we can do any job put to us. The benefits are good and the pay has gotten a lot better. The pension system is in good financial shape but people need to know that as civil servants, we are not in the Social Security system.

The downside seems to be the same, except the Chief they have now is not qualified to do the job. I understand there has to be some give and take, but this guy just takes. He not only takes from the rank, but is mistreating the citizens of Des Moines. Everything he fought for as the Union President, he has slowly returned to the way it was before him.

Great schedule, benefits, and people. You can't beat being a firefighter, there are advancement opportunities and areas to branch out into.

Poor emphasis on training and career development. The city likes to deceive the citizens that the fire stations are appropriately staffed, most are not on any given day. Leadership is weak and the chief is a council yes man.