Steps In Becoming A Volunteer Firefighter

This article provides information on Steps In Becoming A Volunteer Firefighter

If you are considering volunteering for a specific nonprofit or cause, there are certainly a number of benefits to be gained from doing so-apart from the feeling of giving back you may ultimately feel. This said, one of the most common ways that people volunteer is not always for a nonprofit-but for a civic service-such as for a volunteer firefighter squad. Saving people is one of the most brave and noble professions that a person can commit to in volunteering, and is also a great way to break into the profession of for-pay firefighting on a professional basis. Below, we offer the steps needed to successfully get a job as a volunteer firefighter.

1. Are You Sure?
The first step to take in your successful path to becoming a volunteer firefighter to make sure that you not only like the idea of becoming a firefighter; but also, can be dependable and are well-suited to the tasks and responsibilities involved. While no decision should be made lightly in regards to a position-volunteer or not-when it comes to having the lives of your fellow firefighters and the people in fires on your shoulders; the decision should be carefully evaluated before letting any of these people down. Moreover, becoming a volunteer or for hire firefighter takes hundreds of hours training and a commitment that is long term-so it is necessary to ensure you have done enough research for an informed decision.

2. Contact Local Fire Station
Once you have decided that firefighting is for you; you’ll want to contact your town, city, or state firefighting station to determine where you might volunteer-as not all towns and cities have department that need volunteers. Depending upon the size of your town, its population, and government will determine whether or not volunteer opportunities exist; so make sure to check into this first. If your town doesn’t have opportunities, they can often refer you to nearby towns and cities that may be in need of firefighters.

3. Inquire About the Process
Once you have contacted the correct fire station for possible volunteering opportunities, speak with the station manager, and inquire what the process is for becoming a volunteer for the squad. Often, you will be invited down to the station to look around and interview-whereby riding along to a fire call-to see if it is the right position for you.

4. Apply
After the initial tour and meet and greet of the fire department, you’ll be given an application form-along with a background check application. Each department and locale is different in what they expect from volunteer firefighters.

5. Training
Once you have applied, you’ll have to wait to be accepted and hired on a volunteer basis; but once you have been accepted, you’ll need to participate in and complete a 110 hour NFPA certified course which is the standard training program for firefighters going into the field.