Volunteer
RISE TO THE TOP OF YOUR POTENTIAL WITH RIVERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY
Thinking about volunteering?
Riverside Fire Authority is a combination (career and volunteer) Fire Department responding to over 4500 calls in a 184 square mile service area annually. These calls include structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, Emergency medical services and brush fires. Volunteers also provide support for public education events in the schools and community events to include the Southwest Washington Fair.
Volunteer applicants are provided the necessary training and protective gear for the volunteer position they apply for.
Requirements
Volunteer applicants must be 18 years of age, have a valid WA state driver’s license, high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, and be free of criminal convictions.
Application Process
Once the application is returned to the office it is reviewed for completeness and background. Applicants are then contacted to schedule interviews. Following acceptance, a physical abilities test will be conducted. Applicants passing this phase will complete medical/physical testing.
Recruits joining the department may experience a delay prior to academy start. A number of tasks can be finished pre-academy to include ride-a-longs and attending Monday drills as indicated. Lateral transfers can begin task book sign off and skill proficiency testing.
Once the in-house academy is complete, recruits will continue working on their task books; this phase can take up to 10 months depending upon hours available to finish the task book. At the conclusion of the academy and task book manipulative skill testing, recruits can test to receive IFSAC Firefighter 1 certification. Recruits wishing to advance and receive EMT certification should anticipate an comprehensive college class (approx. 160 hours) and field training before functioning as an Emergency Medical Technician.
Training to become a volunteer firefighter/EMT requires a significant investment of time and effort to become certified and operational. You will gain occupational job skills, exceptional leadership opportunities, and a work family like no other. Other benefits include OJT injury coverage, nominal stipend, and option (after 1 year) for inclusion in the Board of Volunteer Firefighters pension.
If you have a passion for helping your neighbors and don’t mind working in all kinds of weather or challenging conditions – complete a volunteer application – call us if you would like to know more and to schedule a ride-a-long. Plan to invest time to gain the necessary skills and task competencies. Ask about non-combat volunteer opportunities as well. We look forward to meeting you.