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Volunteer Firefighters Needed
Windsor
Fire Protection District (WFPD) accepts applications for volunteer
firefighters year round. No experience is necessary. WFPD provides
all necessary training and personal protective clothing.
Because its paid suppression staff is minimal, Windsor Fire
relies heavily on its volunteers. While many
volunteers are firefighters with other departments or seeking a
career in the fire service, many others are not.
WFPD volunteers are essential members of the WFPD emergency
services team. Their dedication and commitment are integral to our
ability to provide the very best service to those who need our help.
Volunteers contribute a great deal. In return, they receive career
training and experience; first aid training; workman’s compensation
insurance; a small stipend for responding to emergency calls;
and—the greatest benefit of all—the satisfaction derived from
helping those in need.
VOLUNTEER DUTIES
Windsor Fire Protection District volunteers perform many of the
same duties as the paid staff, including responding to all types of
emergency calls: structure, vegetation, vehicle, and other fires;
medical calls; vehicle accidents; public service assists, etc. In
addition volunteers assist with equipment maintenance before and
after calls, assist with station cleaning and maintenance, and
participate in District community service and public education
functions.
TIME COMMITMENT
WFPD volunteers are required to make a substantial time
commitment. They must attend training sessions at least three
Wednesday evenings per month from 6:30 pm—10:00 pm. They must
respond to 150 calls per year.
QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for a WFPD volunteer firefighter position, you
must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Live within the Town or District limits, within 10 minutes
of a WFPD station
- Have a clear driving record
- Be in good physical condition
- Be free of medical conditions which may interfere with your
ability to perform required duties
- Be a nonsmoker and not use tobacco products
- Be able to take orders and follow directions
APPLICATION PROCESS
You must complete and return a
WFPD employment
application (pdf) and a current DMV report. Each year in
September or October, we invite applicants who meet WFPD
requirements to meet with the volunteer selection committee. Upon
successful completion of this process, a background investigation
(including fingerprinting) will be done, and the candidate will be
asked to take a physical examination (including drug testing), paid
for by the District.
TRAINING/PROBATION
The WFPD recruit training academy normally commences in January
of each year (may vary). The academy convenes every Monday night
from 6:00—10:00 and every Saturday morning from 8:00-12:00, January
through mid-May (days and/or times may vary).
Recruits are expected to attend all training sessions.
At the conclusion of the recruit academy, there is a one-year
probation period. During this period, recruits perform all volunteer
firefighter duties under close supervision. Also during the
probation period, the recruit must acquire first aid and CPR
certificates (cost reimbursed by District upon completion of
course). At the end of the 12-month period, each recruit is tested.
Upon passing the tests, the recruit will be changed to volunteer
status.
IN CONCLUSION
Volunteer firefighting is a challenging, highly rewarding
endeavor. If you are motivated by the opportunities offered here and
believe you can meet the challenges, we encourage you to apply.
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