Firefighter

The role of a firefighter is to respond to a variety of emergency calls. These calls include (but are not limited to) smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, motor vehicle accidents, and structure fires. After probation, firefighters should be ready to respond to most emergencies driving fire apparatus and completing tasks assigned by the incident commander or supervising fire officer. Being a firefighter is a physical role that involves wearing PPE such as bunker boots and pants, turnout coat, Nomex hood, gloves, helmet, and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) During training you can expect to train in PPE, drive and operate fire apparatus, and use tools from the trucks to build skill and knowledge. One evening the group might be pumping water out of a fire hydrant and the next week they may be extricating a training dummy out of a car using the Jaws of Life.

Fire Police

If running into fires doesn’t interest you but you still wish to help you may prefer this role. Fire Police assist with directing traffic at incidents while firefighters are working in the roadway or when road must be closed. You may still be called to drive fire trucks but you are not expected enter situations you are not trained for. During training Fire Police can expect to preplan detour routes in different areas in town along with practicing radio communication. An officer may also assign tasks such as organizing the fire station or other duties. 

Auxiliary Support

Volunteering as an Auxiliary Support member gives you the chance to serve your community even if you have no interest responding to calls. Auxiliary Support members can do a variety of tasks, such as maintaining fire apparatus, organizing the fire station, or performing administrative or secretarial work.  Auxiliary may also attend trainings or extended active scenes to provide support rehabilitating firefighters between assignments.