How to Become a Volunteer Firefighter

Communities all across the United States are in need of people to join their local Volunteer Fire Department.  A critical service, yet expensive to fund full time staffing, volunteer fire departments are experiencing a huge shortage of members.  It seems as though volunteering for a fire department has become less popular nationwide. Forgotten though are the benefits of joining a volunteer fire department. With today’s changing society and culture, we have forgotten the value of community service and helping your neighbors.  We tend to want to connect to people on social media from all around the world, but forget that we have wonderful people living right next door.

The goal of the Brotherhood Academy Radio podcast is to revive the volunteer and on-call fire service. We do this through discussion, finding solutions and promoting positive leadership to members of the fire service. What we also need to do is target the everyday people who have great potential for being a valuable member of a volunteer or on-call fire department.

Why is membership shrinking?

There are many reasons that membership nationwide is shrinking but I will note what we feel are the most common factors.

• Time requirements. People just don’t have the time anymore. Today’s world requires both parents in a household to work one or more jobs. College students are busy studying and working to pay back student loans. Time is valuable and people are prioritizing how they spend their time.
• Clique stigma.  Volunteer fire departments may have the appearance of being a social club that only consists of a certain type of person.  Many people may feel that they need to be a certain stereotype to join.
• Unaware. Many community members simply may not be aware that their local fire department is staffed by volunteers or on-call members.  They may be unaware that there is even a need for new members.
• No experience. People feel that if they don’t have the training or experience to be a firefighter, they cannot join.

Other than the not having enough time, which is a problem for everyone these days, we can show some light on these reasons. Volunteer fire department members come from all walks of life. It doesn’t matter what kind of background you come from (unless it’s a criminal background). It takes all kinds to make a volunteer fire department function. Most volunteer fire departments are always looking for new members to join. It doesn’t matter what you have for experience. You’ll learn as you go and most likely you’ll be put into a basic Firefighter academy to get all the certifications required.  

What if I don’t want to fight fire?

That’s ok. There are many jobs that need to be done. Remember, these are organizations that need support staff just as much as firefighting staff.  If you’re good with record keeping, budgeting, mechanics, planning, carpentry or other trades there may be an opening for you. If more people were to step up to fill the support roles, the firefighting staff would have more time on their hands for other vital jobs.

What are the benefits of joining?

• You become part of something bigger than yourself.
• You are able to make a difference almost immediately.  A lot of young people these days strive to find a job or an activity that will make an impact on society.  There is no quicker way to do that than by joining the volunteer or on-call fire service.
• You will create relationships.
• You can open yourself up to career opportunities.
• You will learn new skills.

How do I join a volunteer or on-call fire department?

This is simpler than you may think.  Many people don’t know the process for joining, but in most cases all you need to do is make contact with the Fire Chief, or stop into the firehouse when and if someone is there and ask for an application.  We recommend asking if you can attend a training session or two so you can get an idea of what it is all about before you make the commitment. Many places will be more than happy to accommodate that request.

What should I expect when I first join?

Expect to go through an interview process of some sort.  Every fire department does this a little differently, but be prepared to talk about yourself. Once you’re accepted on, you’ll be issued your turnout gear, pager and other necessary equipment.  Many smaller departments with a little less funding may provide you with less at first. 

If you’re looking to meet new people, step out of your comfort zone and to serve your community there is no better way to do this than to join your local Volunteer Fire Department. With your help we can continue the fight for the dying breed.