Criteria for becoming a volunteer firefighter varies by department size, city and state. Large departments have stricter qualifications and more rigorous training requirements than small, rural departments with limited training budgets. They must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the role, such as climbing ladders, dragging hoses and wielding axes, while wearing turnout gear. All volunteer firefighters must be mentally and physically equipped to handle the demands of the job.
A background check may be part of the application process, along with a drug screening and a physical exam. Youth who are thinking about serving one day as a volunteer or career firefighter can join junior firefighter programs. Example of duties of volunteer firefighters in the youth programs include working alongside firefighters on fire prevention activities, safety education programs and social media communication.
Prospective volunteer firefighters must pass a test of physical agility to show that they are able to perform essential functions of the job.
For example, many departments, like the North ChathamVolunteer Fire Department in North Carolina, administer timed tests that include climbing a ladder to the top of a training tower, climbing stairs while carrying a hose, dragging a mannequin, and connecting a hose to a fire hydrant.
Firefighter duties and responsibilities include just about anything you can think of that involves fire, firetrucks and ladders. And yes, firefighters really do rescue cats in trees, as well as kittens trapped in walls, as reported by 11Alive in Roswell, Georgia. Volunteer firefighters wear many helmets, figuratively speaking:. Volunteer firefighting is not for you if you're looking to spend all your time fighing infernos. Even wildland forest firefighters have daily chores such as maintenance and repair of equipment and uniforms.
Volunteer firefighting duties can have a public relations component, as well. Training requirements vary widely by state and size of the department.
New volunteers may receive a combination of classroom, online and hands-on training. Completion of a hour National Fire Protection Association approved course is a standard requirement, according to FireRescue1. Many new volunteer firefighters are sent to a training academy where they learn how to use basic firefighting tools and equipment. They also practice fire control techniques and learn how to handle hazardous materials.
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You are not 'just' a volunteer firefighter 1. Volunteer firefighters rarely receive pay of any kind, although some communities reimburse volunteers for the time they invest during their shifts [source: Volunteer FD ]. Other fire departments may give their volunteers a limited amount of money for emergency response services [source: Riverside County Fire Department].
Despite the differences in the amount of financial incentives available to volunteer firefighters, tax credits are becoming a more common way to show the community's appreciation. In some states, volunteer firefighters that have worked the required number of hours can claim a tax credit on their tax returns. In order to claim a tax credit, a volunteer firefighter must fill out an application to determine eligibility for the tax credit. Then, that application form must be attached to the volunteer firefighter's state income tax form [source: Senator Dinniman].
Different states award volunteer firefighters varying levels of tax credit. Tax credits are in place as an incentive for volunteer firefighters. Supporters of tax credits for volunteer firefighters say that providing such an incentive is a good way to retain volunteers and lower taxes since fire departments won't need to hire as many career firefighters [source: Detling ]. Regardless of payment, the service you provide by working as a volunteer firefighter is a rewarding and mutually beneficial experience for both you and your community.
Check out the links on the next page to learn even more about volunteering. Recent data has shown that the number of volunteer firefighters might be dwindling. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots.
Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Volunteer Opportunities. Volunteer fire departments understand that you have other responsibilities and usually they are flexible with the time commitments they ask of firefighters. This balance is not always easy. We will talk about the factors that can affect your ability to be a volunteer firefighter while working and how to manage your time.
We will also talk about the benefits of being a volunteer and answer a question that many aspiring volunteers have…. Your 1 priority is keeping your family safe. As a firefighter, I recommend everyone have a home safety kit that can ensure everyone you love gets out quickly and unharmed, in the event of a fire or other emergency. Here is the Safety Kit that I recommend.
You can, but, how does this work? Most full-time jobs require you to 40 or more hours per week. How does this fit in with you being a volunteer firefighter? Volunteer firefighters usually work from 24 — 72 hours per month.
Most career firefighters work a rotating schedule that averages 56 hours a week. The type of schedule varies from one department to another. Shift Schedules Examined. Volunteer firefighters are not asked to work as many as hours for the very reason that most need time for a job to pay the bills. There is no standard hour requirement for volunteers, but in my experience, they usually ask for about 24 — 72 hours per month.
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