FIND A LOCAL OPPORTUNITY
Seven out of ten firefighters and emergency responders are volunteers. If you have the heart to serve your community, you have everything we need.
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A VOLUNTEER
WHAT IT TAKES TO VOLUNTEER
If you want to serve your community in an impactful and meaningful way, you have what it takes to get started as a volunteer firefighter or EMS personnel. Your local department may have some specific requirements, such as a high school degree, a physical, and a background check. But when it comes down to it, becoming a volunteer firefighter or emergency responder is about having the heart and drive to make a difference. Use the “Find an Opportunity” option at the top of this page to contact your local department to learn more!
LEARN WHAT YOU NEED ON THE JOB
When you sign up to be a fire service volunteer, you'll receive all the training you need. Depending on your department's needs and the role you choose as a volunteer, you'll learn skills to help your community during emergencies of all kinds. For operational volunteers, this may mean responding to fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, natural disasters, and more. Support volunteers will assist in non-operational roles, such as administration, public education, fundraising, and more. See the FAQs for more information or use the Find a Local Opportunity option to contact your local department.
EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING
The best way to see what it's like to be a volunteer firefighter is to hear the perspectives of people who do it each day. Meet a few folks who serve their community in this unique way and learn what their work is really like.
RIDE WITH US
Watch episodes of RIDE WITH US to see how firefighters train and get an inside view of what it’s like to be part of a volunteer fire department. RIDE WITH US is produced by Cottage Lane Productions.
The Key
Learn what it means to get your firehouse key and officially become part of the fire department family. This episode also looks at some of the gear firefighters wear to protect themselves.
Heights and Ladders
Learn how ladder trucks operate as well as some support roles available in the volunteer fire department.
Tankers/Tenders
Find out how firefighters get water on a fire when hydrants aren’t available.
Car Fires
Learn how firefighters train for vehicle fires. This episode is shown courtesy of the Ulster County (NY) Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
AED and CPR Training
Learn how first responders save lives through automated external defibrillation and CPR. This episode is shown courtesy of the Ulster County (NY) Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
The Firehouse Kitchen
Find out the important role the kitchen plays for the fire service family. This episode is shown courtesy of the Ulster County (NY) Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
Find out about the equipment that allows firefighters to breath in a fire or hazardous environment. This episode is shown courtesy of the Ulster County (NY) Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
Flashovers
See how interior firefighters train for structure fires. This episode is shown courtesy of the Ulster County (NY) Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
Vehicle Extrication
Learn about the tools firefighters use to extricate victims from a vehicle during an emergency. This episode is shown courtesy of the Ulster County (NY) Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
Thermal Imaging Camera
Get an inside view of the equipment that enables firefighters to see in smokey environments. This episode is shown courtesy of the Ulster County (NY) Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
Don't See an Opportunity Near You?
If you want to serve your community as a fire service volunteer but don't see the right opportunity currently listed, use the form below to sign up for our email list. We'll send you notifications of new opportunities in your area. You can unsubscribe at any time. You can also contact your state fire association.
