We need your help!
"NFPA estimates there were approximately 1,160,450 local firefighters in the U.S. in 2015. Of the total number of firefighters345,600 (30%) were career firefighters and 814,850 (70%) were volunteer firefighters. Most of the career firefighters (71%) worked in communities that protected 25,000 or more people." (NFPA.org)
7 in 10 firefighters are volunteers nationally. In rural communities like ours, almost all fire department rosters are volunteer. There has been a rapid decline in volunteering throughout the past decade, and we are in need of local residents to help protect our community.
If you have interest in volunteering or questions, you can visit the station any Monday evening, during weekly training between 7PM-9PM where an officer can address your questions and you could use the opportunity to learn more.
Below are some frequently asked questions about volunteering.
What are the minimum requirements I need to meet to be a volunteer firefighter?
- Minimum age requirement (16 for Junior FF, 18 for FF)
- Meeting a minimum education requirement
- Having a valid driver’s license
- Passing a background check
- Proof of residency within certain geographic boundaries
What will I do as a volunteer in my local fire department?
- Fire Suppression
- Emergency Medical Services **Certified members only
- Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response **Certified members only
- Search and Rescue
- Traffic Incident Management (TIM) and Highway Safety
- Public Information and Education
- Fundraising
- Public Events
Q. I have no experience in the fire service. Is there an opportunity to learn?
A. Training is available for all members weekly, on Monday nights from 7-9. All firefighters are required to complete an "essentials" course (which includes live-burn exercises) before being permitted to do any structural firefighting. Firefighter II courses and specialty training (Technical Rescue, HAZMAT, Pump Operations, Leadership, Wildland Protection, etc.) classes are available to members who are interested and willing to train at other locations. No member will ever be asked to perform a task for which they are not qualified.
Q. Are there age limitations for volunteering?
A. Volunteers vary in age and physical capabilities. Juniors can join at 16 years of age, and have the ability to transition to firefighter at 18. We also have members who are retired from the workforce, and actively serve in activities with which they are comfortably and physically capable to perform. No member will ever be compelled to do perform any duties for which they are not properly trained, or physically capable of safely doing.
Q. How much of a time commitment is required to volunteer?
A. <need to cite SOG sources>
Q. I'm not sure that I would be interested in structural firefighting or may not be confident in my physical capabilities for some aspects of the job. Are their other ways that I can contribute?
A. There are plenty of valuable functions to which members can contribute, that do not require active structural fire-fighting. Fireground support, pump operations, traffic control, medical responders, and logistical support are all required for successful completion of our tasks.
Q. Do I need to have any medical training to join?
A. Pilot Fire Department does provide an EMT-B level of service to the community, but this certification is not required for all members. Members also have the annual training opportunity to become AHA CPR Certified for certain calls, if they choose to do so. No one is required to maintain any level of medical training, unless they wish to handle medical calls, or treat patients on emergency scenes.