Volunteer firefighters are the foundations of America’s emergency response system. They make up 69% of the U.S. fire service, which is remarkable. These dedicated people protect their communities and manage regular careers at the same time. Their impact goes way beyond the reach and influence of just fighting fires.

These first responders train as with career firefighters. The equipment and training costs $9,500 for each person, which is a big deal as it means that many departments need community support. Their role has changed by a lot over time. Recent statistics show that 44% of firefighter responses are now medical emergencies. This piece explores what these essential community servants do, what they need to qualify, and what their daily reality looks like. You’ll also learn what it takes to become one of them.

What Is a Volunteer Firefighter and How Does It Work

Local communities across the United States rely on dedicated people who protect them during emergencies. These unsung heroes tackle everything from structure fires to medical emergencies and natural disasters without a regular salary.

Definition and role in emergency services

A volunteer firefighter is a trained person who provides firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services without a full salary. These community servants dedicate their time and skills to protect fellow citizens. They respond to emergency calls while maintaining their regular careers.

We find volunteer firefighters at the heart of emergency response systems, especially in smaller communities. Their work goes way beyond the reach and influence of just fighting fires. What does a volunteer firefighter do? Their duties usually include:

• Responding to fire emergencies and executing fire suppression
• Providing emergency medical assistance
• Conducting search and rescue operations
• Maintaining equipment and facilities
• Participating in community education and prevention programs

These first responders also handle hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues, and traffic accidents. Though unpaid, they go through training like their career counterparts. They meet state-mandated certification requirements that often match National Fire Protection Association standards.

Difference between volunteer and career firefighters

The biggest difference between volunteer and career firefighters lies in their employment status. Volunteer firefighters get no pay or nominal fees up to 20% of what a career firefighter earns in the same role. Career firefighters work full-time and receive a regular salary.

Volunteer firefighters usually respond from their homes or workplaces when emergency calls come in. They don’t work scheduled shifts at a fire station. This creates variations in response times compared to career departments where staff stays on-site 24/7.

Both volunteer and career firefighters face the same dangers and handle similar tasks. They respond to the same types of emergencies and need similar training. Many volunteer firefighters must meet the same professional standards as career staff.

Most states require both volunteer and career firefighters to complete similar training. Career firefighters tend to gain more experience because they handle more calls in the urban areas they serve.

Statistics on volunteer firefighters nationwide

The numbers reveal how crucial volunteer firefighters are in America. Out of 1,041,200 firefighters in the United States, 676,900 (65%) serve as volunteers. Only 35% work as career firefighters.

Volunteer firefighters protect much of our country. Volunteer departments make up 82% of all fire departments nationwide and safeguard about one-third of the U.S. population. Small communities with populations under 10,000 typically rely entirely on volunteer departments.

The volunteer firefighting community faces several challenges today. The number of volunteer firefighters has dropped from 898,000 in 1984 to around 677,000 in 2020. This decline happened while the U.S. population grew from 236 million to over 331 million.

This downward trend has left many departments short-staffed, especially as emergency calls have tripled over the last 35 years. Half of all volunteer firefighters are between 30-49 years old. Departments protecting fewer than 2,500 people have the highest percentage (34%) of firefighters over age 50.

Yet volunteer firefighters continue to deliver exceptional value. They save localities across the country about $46.90 billion each year through their donated time.

Core Responsibilities of Volunteer Firefighters

Volunteer firefighters do much more than put out fires. These community heroes answer emergency calls at all hours while taking care of sophisticated equipment. They save lives and protect property 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Responding to fire emergencies

A volunteer firefighter’s life-blood revolves around fire suppression. What does a volunteer firefighter do when flames threaten a community? They tackle structure fires, vehicle fires, wildland blazes, and other combustion-related emergencies. These brave individuals make quick decisions under pressure and risk their lives to protect others.

Fire emergencies have changed dramatically over time. Call volumes have more than tripled in the last 35 years, with volunteers handling over 1,500 incident calls in some counties each year. They execute tactical firefighting operations, perform rescues, and secure hazardous scenes.

Providing emergency medical services

Much of a volunteer firefighter’s job now focuses on emergency medical response. Most departments want their volunteers to get Basic Life Support certification, including CPR and AED training. They also need Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification to provide critical care before hospital transport.

Training standards require certification in multiple life-saving techniques. People who choose EMS Only roles can reach operational status in under six months. Firefighter certification takes 12-18 months to complete. This medical expertise stands out as one of the most valuable services volunteers offer their communities.

Conducting search and rescue operations

Search and rescue operations are vital responsibilities. Teams help people who are lost or face immediate danger. Many SAR units have specialized skills like:

• Mountain rescue and high-angle rope operations
• Water and dive rescue
• Tactical emergency medical support
• Disaster response

These teams work in all types of terrain, from mountains to lakes and deserts. Search and rescue volunteers learn specialized skills in tracking, land navigation, and helicopter operations. Many bring their experience in mountaineering, rock climbing, or scuba diving to boost team capabilities.

Maintaining equipment and facilities

Regular equipment checks will give readiness when emergencies strike. Volunteer departments inspect their apparatus and equipment based on NFPA standards and manufacturer’s guidelines. They check engines, fluid levels, lights, sirens, and tires.

Equipment readiness prevents failures during critical moments. Volunteers start and run equipment often because even new trucks and tools won’t work properly if they sit unused. They also maintain personal protective equipment, breathing apparatus, hoses, pumps, and medical supplies.

Community education and prevention

Volunteer firefighters teach and prevent emergencies in their communities. They inspect for fire safety, run prevention programs, and install smoke alarms. These activities help reduce emergencies before they happen.

Programs like “Safety In Our Community” reach out to preschoolers, school-aged children, and seniors. Volunteers share knowledge about kitchen safety, home escape planning, and general safety practices. Some departments run juvenile firesetter intervention programs to help young people with fire-related behavioral issues.

Education helps fulfill their mission to prevent emergencies rather than just respond to them. This approach embodies their philosophy of “preventing the 911 call” and builds safer, more resilient communities.

Training for Volunteer Firefighters: What to Expect

Volunteer firefighters spend hundreds of hours in rigorous training to become capable emergency responders. Each state, locality, and department has its own training requirements that need substantial time commitment. These requirements are the foundations of what volunteer firefighters do during emergencies.

Basic certification requirements

Most departments ask their volunteers to complete simple certifications that help them perform their duties safely. These certifications usually include:

• Firefighter I: Foundational training covers simple firefighting skills, equipment usage, and safety protocols
• Firefighter II: Advanced training builds on Firefighter I with more complex skills
• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR): Simple life-saving techniques
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Complete medical training
• Hazmat Awareness: Identifying and responding to hazardous materials

Volunteers must complete their Firefighter I certification within 12-18 months after joining a department in most states. Departments with fewer career firefighters need their volunteers to complete extra training to work independently. This training gives volunteers the knowledge they need to be on fire scenes, even under direct supervision.

Ongoing training commitments

Volunteers need continuous education to keep their skills sharp. Department’s monthly training programs often come with pay incentives. To cite an instance, some departments use graduated pay scales – volunteers get $8.00 per hour for 6 hours of monthly training and $9.00 per hour for 8-10 hours.

Training officers in volunteer departments don’t deal very well with making sessions relevant and engaging. On top of that, modern training has grown beyond classroom sessions. “Training has to be planned. Volunteers have busy lives, so don’t waste their time with training where the instructor is not prepared to deliver a quality training session,” notes one training guide.

Departments now offer blended learning with online coursework, digital tools, and in-person drills to fit different schedules. We used this flexibility to recruit and keep active members while ensuring proper instruction for all volunteers.

Specialized training opportunities

Volunteers often seek specialized training beyond their simple certifications to handle specific emergencies. The National Volunteer Fire Council’s Partners in Training (PIT) Crew offers free in-person hazmat train-the-trainer programs across the U.S..

Volunteers can learn traffic incident management, electric vehicle response, grain bin extrication, vehicle extrication, and wildland firefighting. The National Fire Academy’s courses near home help meet professional development goals.

This specialized training shows how what volunteer firefighters do has grown beyond traditional firefighting. Emergency services keep evolving, and training must prepare volunteers to handle complex situations while staying safe and effective.

What Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid?

Career firefighters receive regular salaries, but volunteer firefighters have a different compensation structure. Their pay combines small payments, tax breaks, and other benefits. Departments across the country handle this differently when they recognize volunteer service.

Compensation models across departments

Volunteer firefighters usually receive nominal payments instead of hourly wages. The Fair Labor Standards Act prevents departments from paying volunteers by the hour, as this would make them employees. Departments choose to give stipends, pay per call, or use point-based systems instead.

The Department of Labor allows “nominal fees” that must stay under 20% of a career firefighter’s pay for similar work. These payments show up as monthly stipends or per-call rates between $2 and $19.72 for each emergency response. Some departments pay their volunteer drivers $150 for each 12-hour shift.

Tax benefits and incentives

Volunteer firefighters can take advantage of several tax benefits:

• Federal tax breaks on benefits up to $600 each year
• State tax credits like New York’s $200 credit ($400 for couples filing together)
• Property tax cuts that can reach 100% in some areas
• Local income tax credits for active members

These benefits show how much communities value their volunteers. Pennsylvania officials want to expand these tax breaks and boost state grants from $25 million to $35 million.

Non-monetary benefits and perks

Research shows that benefits beyond money work better at keeping volunteers around. These extras include:

Departments give out uniforms and branded items that help create team spirit. Education remains a powerful draw, with programs like FireVEST Scholarship covering associate degrees when volunteers serve for five years. Many departments also provide insurance coverage, pension plans through Length of Service Award Programs, and money back for volunteer-related expenses.

These compensation packages highlight the special role of volunteer firefighters. They serve their communities without being regular employees but still receive recognition for their great contributions.

How to Become a Volunteer Firefighter: Step-by-Step Guide

Starting your path as a volunteer firefighter means knowing what you need before you jump in. This experience needs dedication, preparation, and a real desire to help your community.

Meeting simple requirements

You should meet the basic criteria that most departments want before you apply. Most volunteer departments want candidates who are at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, can pass a background check, and own a valid driver’s license. Each department sets its own specific requirements, so research your local standards first.

You need to think about balancing volunteer duties with your current commitments. A volunteer firefighter’s life includes emergency calls, training sessions, and community events. Take an honest look at your schedule and commitment level before you move forward.

Application and screening process

After confirming your eligibility, contact your local fire department to ask about volunteer positions. A direct conversation with the fire chief or volunteer coordinator helps you learn about their needs and process. Find out about living area restrictions, screening steps, time commitments, and equipment they provide.

The department’s screening process usually includes:

• Background checks to look at criminal history
• Physical tests to check overall health and abilities
• Medical evaluations to verify you can do the job safely

Physical and mental preparation

Physical fitness plays a vital role in firefighting duties. Many departments use physical ability tests like the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). This test requires wearing a 50-pound vest while finishing eight challenging events in 10 minutes and 20 seconds.

Mental preparation matters just as much. Firefighters often face traumatic situations that need emotional strength. Box breathing and physiological sigh techniques help manage stress before, during, and after emergencies. A strong mindset lets you see challenges as chances to grow instead of threats.

First year expectations

Your original year focuses heavily on training. New members usually spend two to six months completing required courses before they respond to calls. First-year volunteers should plan for:

• Regular drill nights (often 2-3 hours weekly)
• Much time learning department procedures
• Tasks including station maintenance and equipment checks
• A probationary period of 6-12 months

More training options open up as you gain experience and show your skills. Throughout this experience, note that firefighting works through teamwork—your reliability affects your department’s success and your community’s safety.

Volunteer firefighting is a noble calling that just needs unwavering dedication, training, and personal sacrifice. These community servants protect millions of Americans while balancing their careers and family lives. The number of volunteer firefighters has dropped by over 220,850 since 1984. Yet their impact remains clear – they save localities an estimated $46.90 billion each year through their donated time.

The path to becoming a volunteer firefighter comes with both challenges and rewards. You’ll need extensive training, physical fitness, and emotional resilience. The chance to help others, build valuable skills, and create real change in your community brings rewards that go beyond any paycheck.

America’s local fire departments need dedicated people to step up and serve their communities. People who answer this call become part of a proud tradition of volunteer first responders who are the backbone of emergency services nationwide. These everyday heroes ensure their community’s protection, preparedness, and resilience when emergencies strike through their steadfast dedication.

Here are some FAQs about what do volunteer firefighters do:

What are good questions for firefighters?

Good questions to ask volunteer firefighters include “what do volunteer firefighters do during training exercises?” and “what color lights do volunteer firefighters use when responding to calls?” You might also ask about their most memorable calls or what do volunteer firefighters get in terms of protective gear. These questions help understand their daily responsibilities and challenges.

Do volunteer firefighters get paid in the US?

While the term “what do volunteer firefighters get paid” suggests compensation, most US volunteer firefighters receive little to no salary. Typically, they may get small stipends or reimbursement for expenses rather than regular wages. Some departments offer benefits like retirement plans or tax incentives as part of what do volunteer firefighters get for their service.

What are the top 3 priorities of a firefighter?

The top priorities are life safety (rescuing victims), incident stabilization (controlling the emergency), and property conservation. This applies equally to what do volunteer firefighters do on calls, whether they’re using what color lights do volunteer firefighters flash or not. These principles guide all fireground operations regardless of paid or volunteer status.

What are some questions to ask about fire?

Important questions include “what color lights do volunteer firefighters use to signal different emergencies?” and “what do volunteer firefighters get in terms of fire behavior training?” You could also ask about common fire causes, prevention methods, and proper emergency response protocols that all firefighters follow.

What is the most important thing a firefighter should know?

The most critical knowledge is scene safety assessment and personal protective equipment use – whether considering what do volunteer firefighters do or career personnel. This includes understanding what color lights do volunteer firefighters flash for different situations and maintaining situational awareness during all emergency responses.

How many US firefighters are volunteer?

Approximately 67% of US firefighters are volunteers, performing what do volunteer firefighters do without full-time compensation. These dedicated individuals often use the same what color lights do volunteer firefighters use as career crews when responding to emergencies. They represent a crucial part of America’s emergency response system.

What are the 3 C’s of firefighting?

The 3 C’s are Command, Control, and Coordination – essential whether examining what do volunteer firefighters do or career firefighting. These principles guide emergency responses regardless of what color lights do volunteer firefighters flash or what resources they have available at the scene.

What do firefighters respond to the most?

Firefighters most frequently respond to medical emergencies, which represents a significant part of what do volunteer firefighters do daily. Other common calls include fire alarms, vehicle accidents, and public assists – all requiring proper use of what color lights do volunteer firefighters use when responding.

What type of person is a firefighter?

Firefighters, including volunteers, are typically courageous, community-oriented individuals willing to perform what do volunteer firefighters do without expectation of significant pay. They’re team players who understand what color lights do volunteer firefighters flash and other protocols while maintaining physical fitness and problem-solving skills for emergencies.