Volunteers Wanted
Ever wanted to feel the adrenaline rush of fighting a fire first-hand? Ever wondered what it's like to actually use those tools to cut open a vehicle? Or are you just curious about how emergency services work?
Volunteering is the perfect opportunity to satisfy all of your curiosities, while providing a valuable service to the community at the same time, as well as expanding your horizon. No volunteer organization could function properly without an adequate membership. So help yourself grow, your local Fire Company, and above all else help the community you live in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering
1.
How much time does volunteering require?
2. How old must I be?
3. Can I do anything even thought I'm still a student?
4. How much does it cost?
5. Is it dangerous?
6. What if I decide it's not for me?
7. How much training is required?
8. So how do I sign up?
1. How much time does volunteering require?
There is no set
amount of time that volunteering requires. There are drill nights
every Wednesday evening, but aside from those organized learning
experiences, the amount of time you put into the Fire Company totally
depends on your schedule and your commitment.
All of the members are volunteer, which means that they have full-time jobs
as well. Yet, they still manage to run calls, take advanced classes,
and get very involved in the life of the community.
Ultimately, you make the decision regarding how much time you can afford to
volunteer, but if you're anything like our other members, you'll grow very
close to the members and the company as a whole. Volunteering becomes
a very enjoyable experience for most people.
We encourage
everyone from the age of 16 up to get involved with the Fire Company. We
pride ourselves on the
Junior Firefighters
Program that we offer 16 and 17 year olds, male or female. You can
get actively involved in all of our training sessions and company functions.
This way, by the time you turn 18 you already know the ins and outs of
firefighting and vehicle rescue and can become a fully active member of the
Active Crew of firefighters.
We also have an Apprentice Firefighter program specially designed for
high-school students between the ages of 16 and 18. At this age, you can run
calls, take many County- and State-sponsored courses, and begin to fully
experience the fire service.
The Fire Company certainly does not limit its membership to young people,
though. We welcome volunteers of all ages who are interested in
firefighting.
3. Can I do anything even thought I'm still a student?
The Fire Company definitely encourages students and young people to get as involved with the local community as much as possible. Today's teenagers and young adults are going to be tomorrow's leaders.
Being a
non-profit, volunteer organization, the company's funds are raised through
community donations, fundraising and taxes.
The company supplies the equipment and personal protective gear necessary
for performing the duties of a firefighter. It also covers any classes taken
relevant to Roslyn Fire Company. In fact, the only substantial cost
involved with becoming a firefighter is the time that you donate to the
company.
Firefighting, like
all emergency services, carries with it many inherent risks. However,
the company is fully insured for any and all work-related accidents and
injuries. More importantly, though, we believe that proper training to
alleviates much of the risks involved.
New volunteers are trained both at company Drill Nights and various County
and State educational institutions. We believe that when a job is done
properly, the associated risk becomes minimal.
6. What if I decide it's not for me?
You are under no
firm obligation to continue volunteering if you don't feel comfortable with
it. After all, we are volunteers and this is not our full-time
careers.
We would hope that everyone enjoys their fire service experience and that
they continue to run long after they first join the company. We pride
ourselves on being more than a fire company. We're a tight-knit
community, the only obligation you have to continue is the bond you feel
towards your fellow firefighters, as well as towards the company and
community as a whole.
7. How much training is required?
Before a volunteer
is certified to fight structural fires in the state of Pennsylvania, he or
she must complete Fire Fighter I (NFPA 1001) class. Most classes are
on weekends with some week nights depending on the class and your
preference.
Other then Fire Fighter I, the primary means of member education is our
weekly Drill Night on Wednesdays. Where we practice techniques for
doing everything from A to Z in fire rescue and extrications.
As is the case with most things at the Fire Company, the amount of time you
dedicate to training depends on your level of commitment to the service.
You of course are encouraged to take as many courses as possible, but are
free to take them as you are available.
If you're interested in becoming a volunteer or if you'd just like some more information on the subject, feel free to stop by Wednesday nights between 7pm - 10pm, or call the firehouse at (215) 885-4490. We can either provide you with the information you need or we can arrange a time to meet in person.