About the Role
Under the supervision of the Fire Chief, the Volunteer Firefighter performs advanced firefighting work in preventing, combating, and extinguishing fires, responding to hazardous materials incidents and emergency calls which include special rescue situations such as vehicle rescue.
Work involves training for and participating in duties of protecting life and property through the performance of firefighting and emergency service activities.
Volunteer Firefighters are required to learn and participate in the operation of apparatus and the performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as smoke, fire, heat and cramped surroundings. Participation in department calls for service is required to remain an active Fire Department member. Although firefighting and emergency services work constitutes the primary and most difficult and responsible area of work, the volunteer is also required to drill. These drills consist of practice sessions dealing with various aspects of firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials awareness, and emergency medical work.
Time spent at the station may consist of studying, custodial care and a wide variety of maintenance of departmental facilities, apparatus and equipment. Work is usually performed in accordance with explicit instructions and well defined procedures; however, performance of the work requires initiative and the exercise of independent judgment. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Department officer.
Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies in accordance with department procedures.
After becoming qualified: drives apparatus, operates fire pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
Lays and connects hose, holds nozzles, and directs fog, chemical and water streams. Raises and climbs ladders, uses chemical extinguishers and a variety of other portable and related equipment.
Participates in training sessions and attends classes in firefighting, hazardous materials, rescue, emergency medical treatment, and related subjects.
Responds to calls for emergency services, prepared to perform life saving techniques and other on-site care of victims if required.
Responds to emergency calls for drowning, various rescue situations, accidents and natural or other catastrophes.
Performs a wide variety of general custodial and maintenance work in the upkeep of department apparatus, equipment, and station. Cleans and washes walls and floors. Washes, hangs, and dries hose.
Washes, cleans, and polishes apparatus.
This listing is intended to describe the principal functions of the Volunteer Firefighter. The listing of examples, however, shall not be construed as a complete listing of miscellaneous, incidental, or substantively similar duties which may be assigned during the normal operation of the Fire Department.
Requirements
Previous fire and/or EMS experience.
At least 18 years of age.
Must be of good moral character.
Possess a valid Washington Driver’s License.
High School Diploma or GED.
Must obey and comply with Department policies.
Live within our response area.
Ability to bend, strain, stretch, contort, push, pull, twist, carry, walk with weight or lift with the ability to assist in removing a patient from a motor vehicle or placing a patient on a stretcher.
Must continue to demonstrate the desire to advance knowledge, skill, abilities, and/or certification through regular attendance of drills and activities.
Willingness to perform other duties as deemed necessary.
Core Abilities
Once qualified, must have the ability to drive a large fire apparatus during both the day and night, using depth perception and peripheral vision in emergency situations involving speed in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice, and snow.
Once qualified, have the ability to identify hazardous materials by code and color.
In addition to regular contact with the general public and co-workers, volunteer must have the ability to communicate with a diverse range of people.
Ability to enter a building under adverse fire conditions which might include smoke, extreme heat, and no visibility, in full protective clothing, including air pack with face piece.
Ability to search for fire victims (sometimes searching by feel only), while walking or crawling, and if victim is found, to drag or carry the victim to safety.
Ability to perform firefighting and rescue duties while exposed to extreme cold and/or wet environmental elements.
Ability to respond to an alarm, wake, and go from a sound sleep to full activity and exertion within a matter of minutes.
Ability to hear and orally respond to verbal orders, calls for assistance, and radio communications, as well as the ability to hear, identify, and appropriately respond to various sounds in an environment of substantial background noises, such as sounds produced by structural collapses, back-drafts, breaking glass, fire, other firefighters, sirens, traffic, and victims.
Ability to shout orders, warnings, and responses when necessary.
Ability to understand and work under other adverse conditions which may include; hazardous chemicals and materials, electrical hazards, communicable diseases and biohazards, hazards associated with working in and near traffic, and natural and man-made disasters.
Ability to carry a ladder weighing approximately 75 pounds, to raise and extend the ladder, to assist victims down ladders, and to carry fire hose and other heavy equipment up and down ladders and stairs.
Ability to move and advance a charged hose line, weighing approximately 180 pounds into a burning building, while standing or crawling on the floor.
Ability to hold flowing hose line for long periods of time and to shut off a flowing line while maintaining control of the hose line.
Ability to work in high, open places and confined spaces.
Ability to operate a power saw in awkward positions, such as overhead cutting, cutting on a sloping roof, and cutting from a ladder.
Ability to use a variety of tools to remove walls and ceilings, requiring pulling and pushing motions with arms extending overhead for long periods of time, or to force entry into a building.
Ability to operate power extrication equipment to assist in patient removals from motor vehicles.
The ability to lift and carry patients over rough or uneven terrain for considerable distances.
