Seven out of ten firefighters and emergency responders are volunteers. If you have the heart to serve your community, you have everything we need.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
