What are the standard qualifications?
You must:
- Be at least 18 years of age or older.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Have the legal right to work in the U.S.
- Be able to pass a criminal background check.
What does the application process involve?
Typically:
- Completing an application form.
- Going through a background check.
- Being interviewed.
What are the time commitments?
A frontline firefighter must pass local, state, and often national certifications to perform interior structural firefighting. That can take a great deal of training time. Monthly meetings are also required. Some departments meet once a month and others meet twice a month.
Are there any costs and out-of pocket expenses?
No! Gear and equipment are provided at no cost. The same applies to the training.
How does a new volunteer get trained?
There are different ways new volunteers can get trained: Taking classes at the South Carolina Fire Academy, taking classes given at a local department or going through an online course at a computer terminal. Regardless of the method, setting convenient times and accommodating schedules are always considered.
What do new recruits do until they’re trained?
Firefighting is much more than being on a nozzle flowing water at a fire. The modern fire department needs assistance in numerous safety, training, house keeping, maintenance, and community activity areas.
Are there any monetary benefits?
While volunteer firefighters are not paid, the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association offers a number of benefits to the local departments that have monetary value for their volunteers. LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program) is a type of a retirement program. The departments contribute to LOSAP on behalf of their volunteers and the volunteers can draw on that money when they retire. Volunteers also get health, life and disability insurance. Additionally, volunteer firefighters can obtain a $3,000 state income tax reduction.
What’s the biggest hurdle to deal with?
Time! Our lives have gotten busier juggling personal, family and job demands. Higher standards have increased training requirements. While the upside is greater safety and effectiveness and professionalism, it’s important to be realistic about the time commitment.
What reasons motivate people to volunteer?
In 2004, the Public Safety Institute at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia conducted a survey to help identify the answers to that question. The top three reasons were: Response to emergencies, helping neighbors, and family tradition.
There are other reasons. Some are broad:
- be part of a team
- social opportunities with members
- learning and challenge
- career development
And some reasons are personal:
- feel needed
- sense of obligation to the community
- my neighbor is one
- I was helped and want to give back
For South Carolina firefighters, we all agree that our pride and satisfaction in serving our communities are indescribable!
What non-firefighting positions are open to volunteers?
There are lots of ways to volunteer! Here’s a list from the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC):
- fire prevention
- public fire and safety education
- safety officer
- PIO (Public Information Officer)
- Public Relations Officer
- facility and equipment maintenance
- clerical
- fundraising
- customer service
- grant writer
- computer experts
- graphics developer
- administrator
- accountant/auditor
- financial advisor
- legal advisor
- human resource advisor