As a volunteer firefighter you work side by side with full time firefighters as well as other peers who have taken on the role as a leader in our communities by standing up and doing something to protect our neighborhoods and way of life. As a volunteer firefighter you have taken on a firefighter job that knows no equal.

When you decided on how to become a firefighter you felt that calling. That internal desire to protect, rescue and be a first responder when the public needs you the most. Racing off to the scene of a car accident, rescuing a person from a burning building or home, prying with the Jaws Of Life a person from the destroyed interior of their vehicle and get them quickly to safety and necessary medical attention.

How can I get involved with a volunteer fire department?

There are three steps to becoming a volunteer firefighter.

Getting involved with a volunteer fire department is one of the most rewarding career paths a person can make. Having the insatiable desire to fight fire, the mental acuity and physical preparedness are all equally important things when considering becoming a volunteer firefighter. Once you begin this step you are on your way to a rewarding job helping your community. The pursuit of volunteer firefighting also lends itself to a later and full time career in fire services.

What are the expectations of a volunteer firefighter?

  • A clear and focused head in a life or death situation.
  • Maintain your composure when assisting in a traumatic event life a car accident with injuries and possible fatalities.
  •  Placing yourself in highly dangerous situations like a burning building or an environment where exposure to contamination and hazardous materials are possible. These firefighter close calls can be the difference between life and death when you are performing your firefighter job. Whether you are a firefighter volunteer or a career firefighter the approach is the mental approach is the same.
Volunteer Firefighter
Volunteer Firefighter

It’s more than just the thrill of a fire. You have to be mentally alert, keep up on your firefighter course work, keep physically fit and be available for shifts. This means being available on a short term call bases where the demands of the fire station are a priority. You get the call you are getting to the station quickly.

TEP 1: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

The first step should always be to make sure that there is a need. In all likelihood with pandemics, a shortage of help, sickness there will be a demand for help.

During your call or visit, ask questions about the process so you understand what to expect as you become a volunteer firefighter. 

  • If there isn’t a volunteer fire station in your community, check out surrounding areas. You will likely find one,
  • Some fire departments do have residency restrictions, so ask about those in your call.
  • Call the non-emergency number to avoid tying up the fire dispatcher.
  • Many fire stations will welcome you to drop in if they’re not busy.
  • Some fire departments let you ride along with them, or tour their station to give you firsthand experience working in fire safety. 
  • They can also direct you to the proper authorities to help you get signed up.

STEP 2: APPLYING TO BE A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER

Once you’ve found the right volunteer fire department, you’ll need to find out their requirements for service to see if you qualify. The standards vary widely, but they all have a minimum age requirement. You can expect:

  • A background check to see if you have anything in your history that would prevent you from becoming a volunteer firefighter.
  • Clearance by a doctor or a physical ability test; some fire departments require both. 
  • A full application process, usually including a drug test. (This is typically for fire departments controlled by a municipal government.)
  • If your application is approved, the next step in becoming a volunteer firefighter is to take the training course. The time requirement of these programs varies, but all firefighters must take a minimum 110-hour NFPA-certified course. The coursework is instrumental to becoming a volunteer firefighter. You must perfect your craft.

Becoming a member of a volunteer fire station is more than preparing to fight fire. Other functions and responsibilities that you can volunteer to help with at your local fire department include: 

  • Fundraising
  • Office work
  • Maintaining and cleaning equipment
  • Dispatching and washing vehicles

Not every position a volunteer firefighter will be asked to help with is glamorous however it is very necessary. As a member of the team you are helping so that the entire department has the means to fight fire with full strength and can quickly get the much needed admin work done. Your role is essential to the effectiveness of your fire department and its ability to do its job.

One of the other routes to becoming a volunteer firefighter is working the fire line as a Wildland Firefighter. A tough and very crucial role in keeping our national forest protected the fire season has devastated millions of acres throughout the US and the need for a volunteer wildland firefighter is incredibly important.

Drip Torch Wildland Firefighter Shirt