The Marion Fire Department must be trained in multiple areas of rescue to provide the most adept services possible for the citizens of Marion. Fighting fires and responding to medical emergencies are the majority of the calls received by the department, but situations do arise that require specialized response.

All firefighters are cross-trained in the following types of emergencies: structural fires, wildland fire (grass, and field), vehicle fires, fire rescue, hazardous materials operations, basic vehicle extrication, collapse stabilization, ice rescue, water rescue, ground search rescue, trauma emergencies, medical emergencies, etc.

The department has three specialized teams for unique and rare types of rescue situations: trench/collapse rescue, extrication and specialized rope rescue. Each team has twelve members who maintain their required additional training hours on an annual basis and conduct actual training exercises three to four times per year.