Volunteer fire dept.

[Armacielli]

First of all, how is everyone? I've been away for a while.
Straight to the point now, I managed to garner myself an interview at my local township fire dept. I'm wondering if anyone here has any advice or an insight on what to expect at the interview.

Christian

 

[hilltopper46]

If it's a volunteer department they are probably more interested in your physical condition and health than any past experience or skills. My limited experience (from almost 30 years ago) is that they will have regularly scheduled drill nights where they will practice skills and train the newer guys.

 

[Verne]

Probably beer and brats. Seriously, they probably just want to meet ya and introduce you to the rest of the crew.
VFD people, in my experience, are some of the best in the world and I am proud to have been a member in two of the best. No. Aurora, Il and Donahue, Ia.
Vern

 

[MobilMan]

Good for you. Like Tony & Vern said, and how available you will be 24/7. Here, you have to live in the city limits to be chosen. They don't expect you to know 'firefighting' but are you ready to get up at 2:30 A.M. on a freezing night & spend hours with it. Retired after 28 yrs on the dept [engineer] & wouldn't trade the experience for anything. It is a very gratifying job but can be darn sad when someones belongings are gone because of stupidity or otherwise. Hope you are selected.

 

[Codesman]

I've been involved in our Volunteer company for 23 years and Assistant Chief for 16 years. Now my son is a Junior firefighter. The fire servce is a brotherhood weither you are a voluteer or paid. Some calls can be dificult like the head on we had last evening. I tel people even if you only respond part of the time your help is greatly apprieciated and needed. Fewer and fewer pepole are volunteering and our numbers are diminishing. But what would it be like if there were not voluteers. Good luck in your endevor.

 

[L1Truckie]

What I suspect is that they just want to meet you and introduce you to the guys. Maybe ask a few questions. Be sure to tell them that you find the Fire Service fun and challenging and exciting (if you feel that way) I hear alot of stories about when people apply they all say they want to save a life or help the unfortunate out blah blah bs bs. Just be yourself. Tell it like it is. And make sure you ask THEM questions....(ie, what kind of insurance do they offer you and your family if your hurt or killed in the line of duty, workmans comp, time required etc.) Those are actually important questions. It is a big sacrifice if your out of work from your full time job because of a volunteer injury. (its the FD, accidents happen) If you feel it will be more in depth, let me know, I'll try to help ya out.

As others stated, they will have scheduled training and meeting nights, and want you to be readily available im sure. They will get you the training. However depending on where your at I know of volunteer companies that require Firefighter I and II before you even apply....and even EMT-B in some cases well.

Also, fire service questions in general, feel free to ask me anytime. Ive got 10 years working as a Civilian Federal Firefighter (Im a LT.), I was a miltary firefighter, and volunteer experience as well. However more I can help let me know. GOOD LUCK!!



Hilltopper.....I wanna drive that tractor!!! Thats a sweet ride!

 

[Verne]

Levi, Christian,
I whole heartedly agree with you on all counts. Seems most all VFD's have insurance now days. Didn't use to be...
Me too on drivingt the tractror but would prefer GREEN...
Vern

 

[Ligget]

Over here in the UK the firefighters are either wholetime or retained, I was a retained firefighter for 13 years and loved every minute of it, we had approx 500 call-outs per year. We dealt with everything ranging from house fires, car crashes, forest fires, flooding, people trapped in elevators, cats up trees......... everything!

I responded to a pager/bleeper going off day and night, if I was on the can or in the bathtub I had to go quickly to the station when my pager sounded, it was the best days of my life. Although very stressfull whilst also having a full time day job to do, I would still recommend it as you experience life from a different angle!

Good luck!