Q.   What are the requirements to be a volunteer firefighter?

A.   You must be 18 years of age and pass a criminal background check.  After the background check the applicant will meet with the Fire Department Membership for approval.

Q.    What classes or training are required to be a firefighter?

A.  The new member will go through their Mandatory Training, put on by the fire department which is approximately a 10 week course meeting two nights a week.  This training will certify the new firefighter to the Mandatory Firefighter Level.  Additional training is provided at monthly training sessions.

Q.    How much time is required to be a volunteer?

A.    Training is conducted monthly.  We have a monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of every month at 0700 p.m. with a scheduled medical and fire training session two nights of the month.  The number of emergency runs will vary form week to week but you are not required to make every run.

Q.   How long before I can make emergency runs?

A.   Upon completion of the Mandatory Training course the new firefighter is certified to respond to all runs.  Before completion, a new member may respond to the station and if space is available on an apparatus, may respond to observe.

Q.    Do I get paid?

A.   The Wadesville Fire Department is a volunteer fire department, which means we do not have a pay scale for our firefighter.  Volunteers receive a clothing allowance at the end of the year of $100 per state mandate.

Q.    How much will it cost me to be a volunteer?

A.  Other than your time, there is no cost to the new member.  The Fire Department will purchase and maintain all of the safety equipment needed for the new member.  The cost to outfit one new member with all of their protective equipment is approximately $1500.  The fire department will also pay for any training for the new member,  including first responder or EMT training.

Q.    Am I required to make every run?

A.     No…The fire department understands no one can make every run and recognizes that family comes first.   We do ask that every member make any run they possible can make due to manpower shortages.

Q.    Do I have to be a firefighter to be a volunteer or are their other positions available for me?

A.     Although we are mainly looking for firefighters, we are also looking for people to volunteer as first responders, EMT’s, photographers or in many other capacities.  Feel free to ask…we have many needs that can be met by people from various backgrounds who would like to serve their community.

Q.    Does the family get involved with the Fire Department?

A.     Yes, definitely.  The Wadesville Fire Department considers itself a family.  We welcome your family to the fire department with family gatherings, and holiday parties.  

Q.    What if I get hurt?

A.     The Wadesville Fire Department carries workman’s compensation insurance on all members of the department.  Other insurance benefits are provided.

Q.    What do I get out of being a volunteer?

A.   In addition to the satisfaction of helping others in your community you will learn many new skills that are invaluable. You will also meet and socialize with others and become a member of a much larger family.