Make sure you meet the following before applying. Each fire station governs itself and sets specific rules and requirements for the application process.
Below are some questions you should be prepared to answer in your volunteer firefighter interview:. While the application process helps the fire station confirm if you meet the basic requirements such as age, education, and your ability to drive, the screening process determines whether you can legally and physically join.
Screening tools vary by department, but in general expect these requirements:. Volunteer firefighter training equips recruits with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate emergency situations while also underscoring the immense amount of responsibility that comes along with protecting themselves, their fellow firefighters, the equipment they use, and the citizens they take a vow to serve and protect.
Undergoing training can feel overwhelming when also juggling outside professional and personal responsibilities, but it helps safeguard everyone involved. Aside from initial training to join the force, even volunteer firefighters should undergo continuing education on a regular basis to stay informed on emerging best practices and procedures. Training requirements for volunteer firefighters vary by department, locality, and state. Some departments only require volunteers to pursue foundational training given that enough career firefighters are on the force to oversee them; smaller departments often ask that volunteers complete additional training so they can operate more autonomously.
Check with your local volunteer coordinator to learn more about the specifics. Generally, volunteers will be required to complete one or more of the following courses.
This baseline level of training ensures firefighters possess the foundational knowledge and competencies needed to be on the scene of a fire.
They must still work under the direct supervision of a qualified superior, but this qualification helps them demonstrate their ability to perform basic duties. Individuals who complete Firefighter II training have demonstrated an advanced understanding and knowledge of safety functions and how to operate as an effective member of a team while still receiving supervision. Specific topics include fire ground communications, sprinklers and drains, inspections, and fire scene preservation.
Volunteers do not need to possess this qualification. Volunteer firefighters must complete EMT training, during which they learn about basic life-saving skills such as administering CPR, giving glucose and insulin to diabetics, treating basic smoke inhalation issues, and handling asthma attacks. EMR training builds on skills and competencies included in EMT certification, teaching students about primary assessments, CPR, AED, trauma response, pharmacological intervention, and using epinephrine auto-injectors.
These programs cover topics such as emergency pharmacology, traumatic emergencies, serving special populations, advanced life support, and cardiac emergencies. Costs vary but the least expensive option is likely attending a local community college.
Many volunteer firefighters complete hazardous materials training, especially those working in rural areas who may not have a robust paid force. Students learn how to properly identify potentially hazardous materials and respond in a proper and safe manner. Training can take place online or in person. Designed for firefighters living in areas with large amounts of forestry, this training looks at human factors in wildland fires, wildland fire behavior, coordinating interagency responses, investigating causes, and using air-based responses.
The U. Forest Service offers training for those who qualify. Even if working as a full-time firefighter may not be your ultimate professional goal, this credential can help you qualify for several fascinating related jobs that may better fit your interests.
Learn everything you need to know about earning your degree in fire science on our fire science hub page. Before taking the plunge and applying to work as a volunteer firefighter, you probably have some questions about the process and what to expect once you begin volunteering.
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions by volunteer firefighter hopefuls. The answer to this question depends on what types of training your local station requires you to possess before sending you out on calls. Some training may be done online while other parts must be done in-person. How much does a Volunteer Firefighter make in the United States? Per hour Per day Per week Per month Per year.
Average base salary Data source tooltip for average base salary. Most common benefits Disability insurance. Find out more about compensation. Was the salaries overview information useful? Where can a Volunteer Firefighter earn more? Compare salaries for Volunteer Firefighters in different locations.
Search Location. Compare Explore Volunteer Firefighter openings. How much do similar professions get paid in United States? Average salary. View salaries Job openings. Are you a career firefighter wondering why your service uses volunteers? So, what is the difference? They both perform the same basic jobs and tasks. However, career firefighters usually work more hours and may have more advanced training, as it is a paid position.
We will talk more about the details that make volunteer and career firefighters different below. Also, we will take a look a the pros and cons of each. Your 1 priority is keeping your family safe. When you have passed the physical test, you will then need to complete a required number of training hours.
After your training is complete, you should have open availability for any firefighting needs as they arise. Your position as a volunteer firefighter requires that you be responsible and dedicated to serving your community [source: Volunteer FD ]. This kind of selfless service is a reward in itself, but some states and communities give back by offering tax credits to their volunteer firefighters. Read the next page to see how tax credits work for some volunteer firefighters.
All fire departments have a strict age requirement in place for a person to qualify as a volunteer firefighter. However, some fire departments will give younger candidates the opportunity to enroll as junior volunteer firefighters [source: Volunteer FD ]. Volunteer firefighters rarely receive pay of any kind, although some communities reimburse volunteers for the time they invest during their shifts [source: Volunteer FD ].
Other fire departments may give their volunteers a limited amount of money for emergency response services [source: Riverside County Fire Department]. Despite the differences in the amount of financial incentives available to volunteer firefighters, tax credits are becoming a more common way to show the community's appreciation. In some states, volunteer firefighters that have worked the required number of hours can claim a tax credit on their tax returns.
In order to claim a tax credit, a volunteer firefighter must fill out an application to determine eligibility for the tax credit. Then, that application form must be attached to the volunteer firefighter's state income tax form [source: Senator Dinniman].
Different states award volunteer firefighters varying levels of tax credit. Tax credits are in place as an incentive for volunteer firefighters. Supporters of tax credits for volunteer firefighters say that providing such an incentive is a good way to retain volunteers and lower taxes since fire departments won't need to hire as many career firefighters [source: Detling ].
Regardless of payment, the service you provide by working as a volunteer firefighter is a rewarding and mutually beneficial experience for both you and your community. Check out the links on the next page to learn even more about volunteering. Recent data has shown that the number of volunteer firefighters might be dwindling.
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