Not every firefighter works as a full-time employee. Some people, especially in rural communities, work as volunteer firefighters as their schedule allows. If you want to become a volunteer firefighter, then follow these steps. Volunteering as a firefighter can be a rewarding experience, and it may even prompt you to make a career change if you decide you love it!
Pass Minimum Requirements
If you want to be a volunteer firefighter, you have to meet a few minimum requirements first. All volunteer firefighters must be at least 18 years of age, own a driver’s license, be able to pass a federal background check, and be CPR certified.
Contact the Local Fire Department or Government HR Office
Once you meet the basic requirements, you should start reaching out to the people who will help you land a volunteer opportunity. If the local firehouse you want to volunteer with is very small, you should consider just reaching out to them directly. Otherwise, many fire departments do the hiring through the city government HR department. Either way, start making contact to find out about additional steps that your locality may require.
Meet with Firehouses to Express Your Interest
Once you’ve made contact with firehouses, you should set up an in-person meeting with them to let them get to know you and to help you get to know them in the process. This can be a formal interview or an informal conversation.
Work on your Physical Fitness
Even if you’re just looking to be a volunteer firefighter, you will still have to meet certain physical standards. Start training during the application process so that you can pass any physical exams the firehouse may have you do when you apply.
Apply to be a Volunteer Firefighter
Even though it’s not a paid position, volunteer firefighters still have to fill out an application form. Volunteer firefighters are not like firefighters for charities or public organizations. They do have to meet certain standards and go through training in order to be certified to work in emergencies and fight fires.
Go Through Basic Firefighting Training Courses
Volunteer firefighters don’t have to go through nearly as much training as paid firefighters, but they do typically have to go through a 110-hour National Fire Protection Association certification course, or additional trainings, according to the firehouse’s specifications.
Go Through a Probationary Period
Once you are initiated into the volunteer firefighter program, you usually have to go through a six-month probationary period, where you will fulfill ongoing course studies and follow all directives and protocols. If you don’t meet the expectations, you may be removed from volunteer rotations.
