What's involved in being a volunteer firefighter?

Question

I intend on speaking to my local fire station, but before I do I thought I'd ask on here. I know I have to do a 110 hour training deal, but what kind of time commitment is it after that? I live in Southern California, and want to do some public service while I'm going to college. If you could give me some info, it'd be great.

Note: I've done my own research, but its difficult because its different depending on location, and a lot of the information given is vague and/or uninformative. Thanks again!

Answer 1

You need to have a passion for putting your life on the line and be willing to go above and beyond the call of duty each time you go out on a fire call.  The volunteer firefighters that are on your team will be counting on you and you'll be counting on them--you become part of a brotherhood that is very close knit.

If you are wanting to fulfil 110 community service hours, this probably isn't the right fit.  You should want to serve, want to hang out at the station, hang out with the other volunteers; you have to want to "grow up to be a fireman".  If not, find a homeless shelter, Habitat House or something along those lines to get your hours in.

Answer 2

Contact the fire department that you intend to volunteer for, they would be the best ones to tell you what they do.  I have neighbors (two brothers) who are fire fighters and all I can tell you is that it is a very dangerous job - rewarding but dangerous.

Answer 3

I agree with the previous poster - you don't do it to fulfill community service hours. You do it because your passionate about it... you want to serve, you want to help others, you feel a knot in your stomach everytime a siren goes by, and you're not a part of it.

Most departments have a minimum of training and call attendance, once you're trained up. For my department, we have to have about 32-40 hours of training per years, and we have to go on 20% of the calls. I end up spending about an average of 5 hours per week doing fire department stuff.