What skills do you need to be a volunteer firefighter?

What are the minimum requirements I need to meet to be a volunteer firefighter or EMT?

• Meeting a minimum age requirement.
• Meeting a minimum education requirement.
• Having a valid driver’s license.
• Passing a background check.
• Completing a physical evaluation.
• Proof of residency within certain geographic boundaries.

Do volunteer firefighters make anything?

Volunteer firefighters freely volunteer their efforts as a way of serving and giving back to their community. They often do not receive monetary compensation from the fire department. If they are paid, it is typically in the form of small stipends or annual bonuses.

Do volunteer firefighters fight wildfires?

— With wildfires continuing to burn in the Northstate and all over California, volunteer firefighters have stepped up and taken the place of local personnel at their stations. These volunteers can do anything from being sent out to fire wildfires to answering fire calls locally.

What qualities do volunteers need?

7 Characteristics That Every Great Volunteer Has In Common

• They Have A Fearless Approach.
• They Have Infinite Patience.
• They Can Think Creatively.
• They Are Eager to Take Initiative.
• They Stay Humble About Their Work.
• They Are Driven by Passion.
• They Can Work In Teams.

Is 26 too old to become a firefighter?

You can become a professional firefighter after 30, 40, or even 50 at some fire departments. There are departments that have upper age limits between 28 and 40, while others have no upper age requirements for firefighters. There are usually no upper age limits to be a volunteer firefighter.

Do volunteer firefighters get lights?

A volunteer firefighter is not authorized to use that type of emergency lighting. Instead, a volunteer firefighter may use a blue light or green light, but the exact color and style of emergency lights depend on the municipality.

Is volunteer firefighting a hobby?

Being a volunteer firefighter is not a hobby or a club. It does have social aspects, but that should be a distant second to the real job. Being a volunteer firefighter is a vocation and a passion for professionalism. It is committing to your community to protect and save lives.

Do volunteer firefighters have radios?

Your volunteer may carry a pager or radio or receive phone text alerts that tell them when there is an emergency. This alert can go off at any hour of any day, on any day of the week, in any weather condition.

What are the requirements to become a volunteer firefighter?

Requirements for becoming a volunteer firefighter vary by fire department. Most departments require firefighters to be 18 years of age or older and hold a high school diploma or the equivalent. Candidates are generally required to pass written and physical exams, drug screenings and background checks.

What are the benefits of being a volunteer firefighter?

Volunteer firefighters also receive several indirect or intangible benefits. First, you get paid training in safety and rescue procedures that you can use outside of firefighting. You also get the thrill and excitement of putting out fires and helping with emergency response rescues.

Why do you want to be a volunteer firefighter?

Opportunity to learn and build your resume

What is it like to be a volunteer firefighter?

Being a volunteer firefighter can be a hugely rewarding experience and a unique way to serve your community. However, it does require lots of dedication, leadership, sacrifice as well as immense mental and physical stamina.