How do you become a volunteer firefighter ?

Question

What type of credentials do you need and how is the pay ? ( if there is any at all )

Answer 1

Depending on state laws, most vollies can join at 16 as a jr. firefighter. Otherwise you would have to be 18. You should have a clean criminal record, good physical shape and an open mind. Most VFDs provide the training. Here in FL we have a 160 rule. In order to enter the "IDLH" (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) zone you must have the state required Firefighter 1 (160 hrs) of training. In other words to enter a burning building, or the hot zone you must be certified to a FF1 level. Our departments provide that training. We also train in extrication, First Responder, RIT, Pump Operations, EVOC, and HazMat.

We are reimbursed $10 per call, and $2 per meeting, and $5 per drill or training. It's not pay. We are reimbursed so there's no taxes taken out, no 1099, nothing to file on income tax. It's paid at the end of the year before Christmas.

It's a great stepping stone to see if you'd like to make a career out of it. You get to help your community, and you get a sense of pride for being a part of a an organization that people respect. And these days you become the first line of defense for your community against terrorists.

Answer 2

The pay varies from none at all to a token amount per call and practice attendance. The real pay is in the knowledge you get from all the free training. There is tons to learn and for some one with an engaging mechanical mind its a good thing.
As far as where to go i would say a small rual type volunteer fire department is the way to go. They almost always need new people and there is not too much in the politics department.

Answer 3

the word "volunteer" indicates no pay. it also indicates you volunteer, ie, show up and say I'm interested in volunteering. generally, you have to take a lot of training before you are allowed to perform any dangerous tasks...some departments will pay the cost themselves rather than require the volunteer to pay but you might want to ask about that. some fire departments I"m aware of set aside one evening a week when potential new volunteers are encouraged to visit--another thing to ask about if you're going to pursue this.