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Volunteer Firefighter is it for you?
Additional Information
Here in Florida, around 12 million people depend on volunteer firefighters to protect their communities and more than 200 departments utilize volunteers.
Before diving into an intensive training program with us, it’s important you’re sure about becoming a volunteer firefighter. While some individuals may find battling fires, aiding in search and rescue efforts, and providing emergency medical services fulfilling and exciting, volunteer firefighting can be taxing and isn’t for everyone. To better understand if becoming a volunteer firefighter is for you, ask yourself the questions bellow.
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ARE YOU READY TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER?
For more information and requirements read below.
Already know you want to join?
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Are you willing to give up the occasional full night of rest?
Emergencies happen around the clock and sometimes that means we lose some sleep to protect our community
Do you find it important to give back to the community in meaningful ways?
Helping our community has it own rewards and being a part of a team that saves lives is a great feeling of accomplishment.
Do like to stay physically fit and challenge yourself to become better and stronger?
Firefighting can be tough there is no room for a couch potato. We are constantly training to become better in our craft.
Are you ready to thrive under pressure and challenge yourself mentally to grow even stronger?
It no walk in the park when lives rest in your mental fortitude to get the job done
Do you meet all of the general and specific requirements for becoming a volunteer firefighter?
Read below and find out if you have what it takes to become Southwest's next firefighter
Do You Meet All The Requirements?
At least 18 years of age
The State of Florida requires all Volunteer Firefighters to be at least 18 years old.
Pass a background check
You can not be a convicted felon or have certain misdemeanor convictions.
Valid driver’s license with good driving record
You be required to drive a variety of apparatus at the fire station some have thousands of pounds of water and equipment on them.
Have a good moral character
We hold ourselves to a very high standard and the community deserves nothing less.
Complete and pass at least firefighter 1 and wildland firefighter training (if not already certified
You must complete the Firefighter I program. Too busy? Well the State of Florida has an hybrid online class where you can complete the Fire I program at your pace.
Pass yearly firefighter medical physicals.
Firefighter is a tough job and you have to be healthy to do it.
Be able to pass a drug test
You have to be drug free to be a firefighter.
Complete continuing training as needed or required.
Firefighter do more than just put out fires we handle a wide variety of hazards and emergencies, Also these skills are perishable you have to keep training them.
Be able to follow directions and report to the station command staff.
Fire departments are a para military organization that have a chain of command
Are willing to respond to an emergency at any time when available.
When there is an emergency sometimes we have to drop what we are doing and respond when we can.
UNDERSTAND THE DUTIES OF A FIREFIGHTER
The duties of a firefighter span beyond putting out fires, responding to medical calls, and rescuing animals from trees. In reality, firefighters perform a multitude of important tasks to keep others safe, maintain our equipment, and ensure the department can continue serving their community. Some of the most common duties include:
Fire emergencies
Our firefighters respond to all types of fires in the same way as paid firefighters do. Some of our responsibilities include setting up ladders, connecting hoses to hydrants, attacking fires directly, and using methods to prevent fire spread.
Motor vehicle accidents
Our firefighters respond to all types motor vehicle accidents from Semi trucks to go karts. We preform vehicle extrication and vehicle stabilization, and mitigate other hazards related to vehicles.
Search and rescue
When an individual or group of people go missing or are in imminent danger, our firefighters may participate in search and rescue efforts. These may take place in bodies of water, remote spaces, wooded areas, or even urban settings. Firefighters usually work in teams to cover larger areas of ground in shorter amounts of time.
Medical emergencies
Our firefighters respond to medical emergencies and provide life saving care including CPR. We also assist EMS with medical emergencies and administer first aid for all kind of injuries. All of our firefighters receive training as emergency medical responders and some continue on to become emergency medical technicians or paramedics.
Maintenance
When not responding to an emergency, Our firefighters sometimes work at the department to repair equipment, uniforms, or vehicles. Given the high levels of wear and tear that comes with this type of work, it’s not unusual for frequently used tools to require maintenance.
Fundraising
Fundraising represents a vital component for our fire station, and our volunteer firefighters often take part in initiatives to bring money in. Activities they may participate in include fairs, Rib sales, boot drives, cook-offs, raffles, and other events. They may also work in an administrative capacity to apply for grants.
Office work
After responding to an emergency or incident, Our firefighters must create an official report about the event to keep on file in case there are questions about what happened or if a lawsuit ensues.
Want to learn CPR?
Southwest Fire Department offers a variety of services at low cost or no cost. Check out what we offer on our services page