How to Become a Volunteer Firefighter

Volunteer firefighters are depended on by almost a third of the entire American population depend completely on volunteer firefighters. Most of the areas, more so the rural ones, find it difficult to fund a fulltime firefighting staff. This makes volunteering as a firefighter a very important job. However, you need to go through an extensive application process to become one. If you want to become a volunteer firefighter, you need not to worry as this article has a detailed guide that will help you learn all you need to do to qualify.

The first thing you need to know is the job of a volunteer firefighter. Although their jobs are similar to those of professional firefighters, volunteer firefighters may find their responsibilities varying depending on their state of residence. You will help career firefighters put out fires, rescue people from burning buildings, and administer first aid. It is because of this that volunteer firefighters need the ability to carry out challenging and physically demanding jobs. As part of you job, you may have to do non emergency work like maintaining the firehouse and fire trucks and giving a tour of the station. Apart from that, you also need to create time for continued training to practice the procedures, techniques and first aid methods necessary for the job. It is rewarding job but you need to make sure you can live up to its demands.

You can only start working as a volunteer firefighter after you have completed the applications process. Without a bit of time and research, it is hard for the application process to be a success. To learn more about the application process, you can read more here.

Reach out to your local fire department. There are many ways through which you can do this. You can always make a quick personal visit to the fire station if you do not live far away. For those who cannot make a personal visit,. Calling the non emergency number is always an option and ask to speak to the station officer. Unless you are reporting an emergency, calling the non emergency number could get you arrested and that is why you should always use the non emergency number. Ask about any openings for volunteer firefighters during the call.

Ensure that you satisfy all the criteria for qualification. You can only become a member of the team if you meet all qualifications. Depending on the fire station, you may find that the requirements are different. Although you must meet the minimum age requirements, you may find that the age limits are different. For those whose age is lower than the limit, you my be allowed to join as a junior volunteer depending on the department you enroll with.