About VWS

If you have the desire to serve and help your community, you can be a volunteer firefighter. You don’t need any prior experience; you will receive the training you need when you join the department. Your local department will likely have specific requirements, such as a minimum age or background check, but these vary by department. If you want to help your community in ways few can, become a volunteer firefighter today.

This varies greatly from department to department. All departments have a minimum age requirement, though some allow younger members to enroll as ‘explorers’ or junior volunteer firefighters. Most departments also have a physical testing requirement, testing procedures vary from department to department.

Volunteer firefighters do not get paid, but they can get reimbursed. Reimbursement is usually a small amount of tax-free money for time spent on shifts, responding to calls and training. The amount is usually at the discretion of the department.

Once you sign up to be a firefighter or EMT, you will need to be trained. Training requirements vary by state, locality, and department. The time investment in training depends on the level of training and certifications your specific department requires. Fire departments typically provide or arrange for volunteer personnel to receive all required training at no cost to the individual.

In general, volunteers may be asked to complete certification training for one or more of the following: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations, Traffic Incident Management, Wildland Firefighter.

Contact your local department to learn what training they require.

Yes, a training program will likely help you achieve the physical standards required by your department. Contact your local department for a recommended list of exercises.

Many departments require a minimum number of volunteer hours per month. The exact amount of volunteer hours varies by department.