Volunteer roles
Fire departments need more than firefighters. Which roles a department offers depends on its size and how it operates, so check each department's page.
Start here
- Volunteer as a firefighter: what it involves, the training and the time.
- Volunteer as an EMT or medical responder: medical calls, the levels of training, and experience for a health care career.
- Volunteer in a support role: help without going on emergency calls.
- Offer help: give your time or skills once, or now and then, or make a donation.
Firefighter
Responds to fires and other emergencies as part of a crew. Requires initial training and regular drills. See volunteering as a firefighter.
EMT or medical responder
Provides emergency medical care on calls. Many departments train volunteers as Emergency Medical Responders or EMTs, and some volunteers do medical calls only. See volunteering as an EMT or medical responder for the levels of training and where to volunteer.
Driver or operator
Drives and operates engines, tenders and other apparatus. Departments usually require experience, a good driving record and extra training. Volunteers who are available during the day are especially valuable here.
Wildland firefighter
Fights grass, brush and forest fires. Many departments in the West respond to wildland fires during the summer and fall.
Support and administration
Helps with fundraising, public education, events, equipment, recordkeeping and keeping crews fed and rested at long incidents. A good fit if you want to help without going on emergency calls. See volunteering in a support role, or offer help for a one-time job.
Resident volunteer
Some departments offer housing at or near a station in exchange for scheduled duty shifts. These programs often suit students in fire or EMS training.
Cadet or junior
Some departments run programs for younger people, often of high school age, who learn about the fire service before they are old enough to respond to calls.
Officer and chief
Many volunteer departments are led by volunteer officers and chiefs. Departments sometimes recruit experienced people for these roles directly.