Posted: 11/16/2005 11:52:08 AM EDT
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Did you start out as a volunteer? What training did they give you if you did , and how long did you have to wait to go active so to speak ? As a volunteer how many fires did you work? I am thinking of trying out for the volunteer . So far the info looks good and the training seems to be real nice . They will train you as a full EMT as well at no cost , but it will be a long time if ever if you can get an actual job here instead of volunteer work . |
| I am part of a volunteer dept even though we are all technically paid on call (minimum wage). I have been on since 2001 and I have received enough training to be a FF1. We train 2 hours every week and about one full weekend per month. For example, tonight we are going over winter pump operations and then Saturday and Sunday we are practicing our skills (ventilation, forced entry, RIT, etc...) in a Burn to Learn on a 16 room single story structure. We get a lot of flu fires this time of year (two fires 2 weeks ago) and last Wed we responded to a 2 vehicle MVA involving an 18 wheeler loaded with pine boards that decided to catch fire. The only down side is that you need to sacrifice a little family time (for example I was on a structure fire two years ago that lasted 11 hours). I am currently applying for other depts to get on as a Full timer as I have decided that FF is the career for me. |
| I am a vol. firefighter and I love it I have been doing it for 6 years and I enjoy it more each day we are a good sized department and run some good calls. I am also a Instructor and I teach FF1 and 2 and Fire Attack teaching is really my thing. I encourage anyone to be a firefighter it is alsome so good luck. |
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Hey Kodiak. You can probably suss a lot out of some other responses I've posted here, but I'll review for the hell of it.
Yes, 16 years ago.
They trained my in basic FF skills, including SCBA and extrication equipment. I was completing my EMT solo when I applied, and got my cert shortly thereafter. My VFD also sent me through the local (full-time) FF II academy (240 hours), which helped a lot applyiong to local f/t agencies. As far as "going active" there are several "stages" on my VFD. 1) probie, no pager no blue light. This is when you buy a scanner, or else just show up on drill nioghts and hang around the station a bunch. 2) probie, pager, no blue light. You get a pager, but cannot run a light (courtesy only - no running red lights and speeding) responding to the station. 3) badged member, blue light. Probies have to wait until mounting the rigs for the officer to OK it, and cannot go out of town on mutual aid. Average prob. period is 12-16 months, and includes a demonstrable knowledge of FF activities and dept. SOP's, as well as SCBA fit test and basic driving and pumping.
Probably a dozen in the first few years on the department. Mostly mutual aid, several garages and a lot of cars.
Do it if you're interested. More power to you.
One of our advantages living in the Chicago metro area - lots of f/t gigs. Don't fret about doing it f/t - most of the FD's in the US are VFD or p/t. Good luck. |
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I volunteered for 4 years before I applied at a career department...the only 100% career dept in this county. For that department, you had to have a pulse and a license to drive and you could respond. They required NFPA 1403 before they allowed you to enter a structure that hadnt been "controlled" yet. In other words, you had to participate and pass 8 or 9 areas of Firefighter I curiculum. I dont agree with this, but that was what they did. If you did not meet that requirement or exceed it.....you were only allowed to participate in exterior operations. Those that did not meet the interior requirements were fitted with a different helmet. This state offers about any type of first responder training that you want for free if you are apart of an agency....paid or not. Fire, Rescue, EMT Basic through Paramedic, Hazmat Awareness through Technician, Emergency Vehicle Driver, Driver Operator both Aerial & Pumper...Fire, EMS, or Rescue Instructor, Live Burn Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector 1, 2, & 3, Arson Investigation......and others..you get the point. Join, if its not what you expect or dont enjoy it.....they cant make you stay. You dont need a light on your dash to be a firefighter, you dont need to be paid to be a concidered professional. |
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At my station you have to show up at a monthly business meeting, fill out an app. then giving a new member packet & told what the requirements are, you have a month before the next business meeting to show up at the station, hang out get to know the trucks and just show a general interest. After that you are voted on as a probie, given a minitor pager & gear. Our probes wear a UGLY yellow bullard helmet & that yellow banana bunker gear. after that, you have how ever long it takes to get your florida state FFI....... If you pass that, you are voted in as a full time member, given an alpha pager, and a carnes 1010 & a key to the station........ The you work on driving requirements! When you are on probation, you can’t do interior, or have any patient contact on medical calls or MVA, etc..... By doing these we weed out a lot of folks who might otherwise not really be into it 100%...... We’ve had a few ride the tail coat of the station too...... Use the gear to get through minimum standards (FFII) or use the squad or command vehicle to get back & forth to school or training....... then haul ass when it’s all said and done, never to run calls or be seen again. We’ve also got the ones who never show up for training, calls, special details or anything....... but let the tones go out for a structure fire, then they show up and want on the first truck out...... Not! The haul ass when you get back to the station when there are hoses to clean and reload, bottles to fill, etc. Or complain when they are stuck on the fire scene waiting for the state fire marshal, “Well I got go pick the kids up from school” This pisses me off......... If you ain’t got time to run the call then don’t run it! Sorry to hijack the thread......... Go for it man, sign up! 
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Thats about the only way you'll find me responding to volunteer duties....I will train with them though. 
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My county is split into about 8 different departments, all combination departments. Volunteered at one and got 1152 - basic interior. That took about 3 months of waiting for the class then after the class you can start riding. I didn't have alot of time to devote to them. Only fought 1 big brush fire. Applied for paid position at another (busiest in the county). Got hired and they sent us through the state academy. I've been paid for about 10 months and I'm lovin it. Only thing is I'm a white cloud. I have yet to pull a line off a truck... Not one.  EVERYONE else has fought a couple of fires... Even those that were hired after me. Oh well, it'll happen sooner or later.Magoo |
That's because you're the Run Prevention Officer! 
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Trainings good.............
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RUN WHILE YOU CANh.gif Just kidding its a great job, vollie or career. Just remember you are always gonna run into knuckleheads that want to tell you how to do things, take them with a grain of salt--it will not take long for you to find the people that you can listen too. Stay Safe and welcome to the party Matt |
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