Volunteer Firefighters

Becoming a volunteer firefighter is a common stage in the process of working your way up to a full time professional firefighting position. Whether this is your goal or you simply want to help out your community, learning how to be volunteer firefighters is often a very rewarding career. Here are a few tips to consider.

The first step many volunteer firefighters take is simply applying for the position. When doing this, be sure to research different departments in your area thoroughly to see which one is the best for you. Additionally, learn the different requirements for each department, as age requirements, health requirements, and others vary. The more you know about the department going in, the better your chances will be of making a good impression.

Most requirements for volunteer firefighters are that you must be at least eighteen, you must have a high school diploma or GED, and you must be physically and mentally sound. However, these requirements on their own aren't quite enough to impress most departments. If you want to get your foot in the door, it's extremely advisable to attend college after high school and take courses geared toward your eventual goal. The more you know about your profession, the better your chances will be of getting hired.

Finally, when speaking to the station officer, be sure to dress professionally and bring a cover letter and resume. If he or she is impressed with you, you will be directed toward taking your civil service test and undergoing a minimum of 110 hours of training. For volunteer firefighters, this process helps assess and develop their reflexes, communication skills, math skills, judgment and reasoning skills, and much more. This, however, is hardly an easy endeavor, and many discover that they're not quite up for the task. However, if you can make it through this grueling step, you'll be able to join the ranks of other volunteer firefighters.

Volunteer firefighters are required to undergo additional training along with being on call for a minimum number of hours each month. While they are not paid in the same way that professional firefighters are, they do receive a small stipend for their troubles. Again, the amount varies according to the station. Many volunteer firefighters go on to work as professional firefighters. Whether this is your eventual goal or you would rather simply help your community this way is entirely up to you. Learn more today!