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Be a Firefighter >> Browse Articles >> Ten Steps to Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter

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Step 8: Contribute Additional Skills and Talents

Step 8: Contribute Additional Skills and Talents
Featured Author:

Luther Berge

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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

It is important to bring productive personal skills to the table when you become a volunteer firefighter.

I know at my department, we have volunteers with backgrounds in electrical work, mechanics, plumbing and farming (yes, farming).

Volunteer departments will sometimes work on their own vehicles and equipment if the work is something that can be done at the station. This helps to cut costs and save money that can be put to better use on something else.

Quiz: What Fire are You Fit to Fight?

PollsFrom medical emergencies to forest fires, EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters must hone their skills to step up to any challenge. Part of choosing specialties in fire & rescue is evaluating your personality, training, and experience. Take this quiz to assess your best fitting specialty as a fire & rescue professional.
Find out now!
If you don’t have any technical skills don’t think you are off the hook. Every station has a list of chores that need to be done in order to keep the department clean and in order. This includes: cleaning, mowing the yard, (if you have one) snow and ice removal, and polishing the truck and other pieces of equipment. The station will be like a second home to you, and you will want to keep it just as clean if not cleaner.

In the end, there is always something to do to help your department out. A clean and open station allows for better times hanging out with your fellow firefighters, as well as presents good face to the public.


Step 9: Ask Questions

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