Be a Firefighter >> Browse Articles >> Ten Steps to Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter
Step 1: Learn about the Fire and Rescue Industry
Featured Author:
Luther Berge
Luther Berge is a 2-year veteran volunteer firefighter at the Pickwick Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department located in Winona, Minnesota. After taking a tour of a local fire department back in elementary school, Luther had the natural passion to become a firefighter. He recalls chasing after responding sirens when he was younger, just to see if he could catch sight of the firetrucks. One of his proudest accomplishments was when he became a first responder, and making his childhood dream come true.
Other than response calls, Luther's favorite part about being a volunteer is the opportunity to meet others from surrounding departments and build new relationships with those firefighters. Having several mutual aid calls, Luther understands the importance of branching out his relationships outside of just his own station.
More articles from this author:
Kendra Weikman & Luther Berge
So you want to start a new career in the Fire and Rescue industry, but you don’t know where to begin?
The first step in becoming a volunteer firefighter is to research the industry.
For several hundred years volunteer firefighters have protected their communities. Because they rely heavily on donations and neighborhood involvement, a good chunk of a volunteer firefighter’s time is spent on fundraising. Popular fundraisers include bake sales, magazine sales, and auctions. The goal is to get the community involved in donating to the department.
Along with fundraising, it is important to understand the culture of the fire and rescue industry. You aren’t joining a business; you’re joining a brotherhood. Once you earn the trust and respect of your fellow firefighters, you will get to be a part of something unique and special.
So start your journey of becoming a volunteer firefighter in books, online or by talking to other volunteers. There are tons of resources out there to introduce you into the world of volunteer firefighting that you should take full advantage of.
andebpol122
6 days ago
2 comments
Does any one know of a department that i can volunteer for in Miami or close by
Jwallen
12 days ago
4 comments
I have been on a Volunteer Service Fire Service and an paid EMS Service in Marshall, WI now going on 10 years. The only advice I could give you is go into a Fire House and ask questions about how and where to go to join. I know when our Department is bringing new member's in they go through an application process and interveiw's and then they are voted on twice at montly meeting's and then brought on. The other issue with becoming a volunteer is Fire Classes you may have to attend. I know here in Wisconsin most of the Departsments will pay for you to attend a Tech School for Fire Classes. Our Department requirements are entry level 1 and 2 follwed up by State Certifications 1 and 2 which is all paid by the department. Wish you the best of luck and hope you find a Fire House to join.
station40cadet
26 days ago
62 comments
go to your local paid/volunter fire dept and they should be able to direct you in the right way
misterhowell
27 days ago
6 comments
Who should I contact bout becoming a volunteer in the Atlanta area/