Volunteer Fire Department Interviews

[rschultzjr]

I am currently on a board to review the way we interview potential firefighters. We currently accept and application then they get invited to interview with the hiring board (this board is made up of the Chief, Deputy Chief, Capt., 3 Fire Fighters and the Association President). The hiring board then asked random question to the applicant. If they pass this portion we then do a background and driving records check.

I was wondering how some other Volunteer Fire Departments handled this process.

Thanks!

[FFG123]

I am currently on a board to review the way we interview potential firefighters. We currently accept and application then they get invited to interview with the hiring board (this board is made up of the Chief, Deputy Chief, Capt., 3 Fire Fighters and the Association President). The hiring board then asked random question to the applicant. If they pass this portion we then do a background and driving records check.

I was wondering how some other Volunteer Fire Departments handled this process.

Thanks!

-Hand in application
-Review board meets with individual and asks questions
-Get medical exam
-Next monthly meeting the review board gives their evaluation of the individual to the members
-Members vote on individual
-If they pass the application is given to commissioners and they forward the information to the sheriffs department for background check (Arson Check)
-New member is contacted and set up for orientation where they sign their life away...oh and you watch some really old videos from OSHA and some other crap..

probably more steps but i forget i am not on the review board. Doesnt this belong in the Volunteer section?

[STFDQuint3]

The department I am with is no different than big cities. We had to take a written, an agility, an oral board, background and medical. Granted this is a "larger" sized department and the chief came from the big city so runs his department the same way.

When I joined 30 applied 5 of us made the cut.

[FFG123]

The department I am with is no different than big cities. We had to take a written, an agility, an oral board, background and medical. Granted this is a "larger" sized department and the chief came from the big city so runs his department the same way.

When I joined 30 applied 5 of us made the cut.

That's ridiculous to be honest....tell me you have 10 members in your department?...Nobody in their right mind would do that for free. Talk about wasting tax payers money how much does it cost to process one person? Firefighter 1 class should get rid of the people who are not committed or fit for the job..its 86 hours...

[Eng34FF]

The department I am with is no different than big cities. We had to take a written, an agility, an oral board, background and medical. Granted this is a "larger" sized department and the chief came from the big city so runs his department the same way.

When I joined 30 applied 5 of us made the cut.

Must be nice to turn away over 80% of the people who apply. We just can't afford to do that here.

We have them fill out an application, come before the membership committee, and then be voted in as a probationary member. After that, we do the background and start the training.

Questions asked by the membership committee are about why they want to join, what their interests are and what training if any they have and what times they are generally available. We also try to make sure they understand the training and attendance requirements.

[GTRider245]

That's ridiculous to be honest....tell me you have 10 members in your department?...Nobody in their right mind would do that for free. Talk about wasting tax payers money how much does it cost to process one person? Firefighter 1 class should get rid of the people who are not committed or fit for the job..its 86 hours...

Pretty bold statements for not knowing ANYTHING about his department. Just because most of our volunteer departments struggle to keep people around doesn't mean his does. He stated clear as day it is a larger department; they probably run a good amount of calls. People probably want to be involved. They had more apply the last time they took applications than most departments have on the entire roster. When you have X amount of spots with Y amount of applicants, you have to be selective. If anything that process probably SAVED the taxpayers money by ensuring the most qualified and worthy candidates got the spots that were open.

Try not to forget that not every department operates like yours.

[CaptOldTimer]

Years back when I hooked up a volunteer department to served on my days off from the city job, I filled out an application, gave it to the Chief.

He called me several days later and had me meet him at the fire house to pick up my gear and alert radio.

No formal interview or butt checking.


I guess time must have changed in the last 45 or so years.

[FFG123]

Pretty bold statements for not knowing ANYTHING about his department. Just because most of our volunteer departments struggle to keep people around doesn't mean his does. He stated clear as day it is a larger department; they probably run a good amount of calls. People probably want to be involved. They had more apply the last time they took applications than most departments have on the entire roster. When you have X amount of spots with Y amount of applicants, you have to be selective. If anything that process probably SAVED the taxpayers money by ensuring the most qualified and worthy candidates got the spots that were open.

Try not to forget that not every department operates like yours.

i don't care

[GTRider245]

i don't care

Thanks for that intelligent and well thought out reply.

[STFDQuint3]

I will say those are bold statements indeed and I take offense to them to be honest. You don't see me finger pointing at your department and the way they do things.. I personally cannot believe a department would take individuals without any of the above; I understand that some departments are hurting for people but at the same time I think having QUALIFIED and DRIVEN people is better than having Tom Dick and Gerry that heard if they join the local fire hall they get fun lights and get to drive fast. Or people that completely aren't in the shape to do the job; who care's if you have a heart attack carrying a 20lb saw; at least it's a body on the roster sheet.

My department is a combination department. We have 25 full time and we have a total of 20 "volunteer". Our township has a population of about 25,000 but we are directly connected with the city which has about 40,000 and the main business district is located in our township. That's two malls, several large manufacturing facilities, countless restaurants, etc. Also, the city is having its share of hardships and had to recently close a station and lay quite a few guys off; now we run on every structure fire call they have. For all practical purposes we could be a 100% career department. I'm sorry to say but my department doesn't want just anybody; they want qualified individuals and we had to prove it to get there.

[GTRider245]

I will say those are bold statements indeed and I take offense to them to be honest. You don't see me finger pointing at your department and the way they do things.. I personally cannot believe a department would take individuals without any of the above; I understand that some departments are hurting for people but at the same time I think having QUALIFIED and DRIVEN people is better than having Tom Dick and Gerry that heard if they join the local fire hall they get fun lights and get to drive fast. Or people that completely aren't in the shape to do the job; who care's if you have a heart attack carrying a 20lb saw; at least it's a body on the roster sheet.

My department is a combination department. We have 25 full time and we have a total of 20 "volunteer". Our township has a population of about 25,000 but we are directly connected with the city which has about 40,000 and the main business district is located in our township. That's two malls, several large manufacturing facilities, countless restaurants, etc. Also, the city is having its share of hardships and had to recently close a station and lay quite a few guys off; now we run on every structure fire call they have. For all practical purposes we could be a 100% career department. I'm sorry to say but my department doesn't want just anybody; they want qualified individuals and we had to prove it to get there.

I really wouldn't worry about it too much. Judging by his demeanor on here I would say he is an explorer at best.

[FFG123]

I really wouldn't worry about it too much. Judging by his demeanor on here I would say he is an explorer at best.

nope not an explorer...sorry i have a college degree im not in high school..this thread is about volunteer departments not career or mixed...... Half paid means finding volunteers is a totally different ball game.....you should have said that to begin with..

[FireRescueLupo]

If you get 30 apps for 5 spots or however many you are filling less than 30 then why not. We do not go quite as far, but you turn in app, go before membership at meeting with open vote for probation. Once you pass the membership you have to take our mini agility test, not much to it but shows you can do the minimum. You get the background check. That is when you can start showing up to training and helping with shifts as a rider which does not entail a lot. Next month you get voted on and if you are accepted you get put into the next rookie school and extrication class and probably the next first responder assuming they don't interfere with each other.