Volunteer firefighting is an essential emergency service usually accessed by calling emergency numbers like 9-1-1. Dispatchers use various methods to alert volunteer fire departments, including pagers and sirens.
Some allow the use of courtesy lights or emergency lights and sirens by its members
A central dispatcher then calls out the VFD, often through equipment such as pagers, radios, or loud signals, such as a fire siren.
Normally reached the same way as other emergency services, such as by calling 9-1-1 or 1-1-2
Requirements
Valid driver's license
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
Be a United States citizen
Must be at least 18 years of age
Pay
At the discretion of the department
Reimbursed for time spent on call/duty
No pay
Duties
Supervises cleaning of facilities, equipment; instructs and drills fire fighters in watch duties,
use of tools, raising of ladders, and rescue and salvage work.
Responds to alarms received and directs routes to be taken; directs work of fire fighters
pending arrival of a superior officer; supervises laying of hose lines, placing of ladders,
direction of water streams, ventilation of buildings, rescuing persons, and placement of
salvage covers.
Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County and City laws and ordinances.
Training
To explain concepts relating to fire behavior, incident command systems, and hazardous materials. Before going into service, volunteers will also need to gain proficiency in CPR and first aid.
Demonstrate their knowledge of various firefighting equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus, hoses, ladders and knot-tying
All firefighters are required to take a minimum 110-hour NFPA-certified course