FAQ's about becoming a volunteer firefighter

What do I have to do?

        It's pretty straightforward.  To become an active firefighter, you must be over 18 and have a clean police record.  (If you are under 18, you may still join as a junior firefighter and then become active on your 18th birthday.)

        The commitments are simple:  20 hours of initial training to become active, followed by 130 more hours to become certified as a Kentucky volunteer firefighter.  Training is offered weekly, three hours each Tuesday night.  You must attend one training drill each month to remain active on the department.

        Once you become active, you will be able to respond to calls.

If there's a fire and I'm at work, what do I do?

       After you join, discuss it with your employer.  If your work is such that you can leave it temporarily and catch up later, your supervisor may allow you to respond to calls from work.  Certain jobs cannot accommodate this, but if you are dedicated during your off hours, we're content with that.

        Other conflicts are understandable as well.  We all have family commitments and other obligations that aren't always flexible.  If you're taking a sick child to the doctor, we'll have to manage without you.  If you are in the middle of mowing the lawn, we'd appreciate it if you'd respond.

Is it dangerous?  And is there a lot of blood and death?

        As far as firefighting being dangerous, yes it is.  However, you will be well-trained, well-equipped, and watched very carefully by your fellow firefighters.  Our department is like most--we take care of each other.  And you will never be asked to do something you don't feel comfortable or safe doing.  We have members who never spray a drop of water.

        Should you be injured during an incident, Kentucky Workers' Compensation insurance will cover you, provided you have at least 20 hours of training and have taken the appropriate safety precautions.

        As far as some of the unpleasant things we have to see and do, it can be tough.  Again, you won't be asked to do something you don't want to do, and again, we have a network of support to help you cope when a particularly tough incident affects you.  It has happened to us all from time to time, but we help each other through it.

Will I be out any money?

        No.  All the communications equipment and protective gear you will need will be furnished by the department.  Red lights and sirens are up to you; only about a third of our members even use them.

Do I have to have any special skills, like a CDL?

        No.  You will be trained to do any task that we may need you to do.  This includes everything from CPR to driving trucks.

        There is a role for any skill at the fire department.  We have members with skills in carpentry to computing, mechanics to management. 

        There is a hat for you to wear at our fire department!