Volunteer Firefighter Application
The Fort Erie Fire Department is looking for persons at least 18 years old who are interested in serving the community as Volunteer Firefighters.
Why Be a Volunteer Firefighter?
It’s a good question. You may know someone who is in the Kinsmen, Rotary or Optimist Club. Some of our volunteers chose the Fire Department as a way to serve the community. Others enjoy the camaraderie of working and having fun with a great group of people. We place a high value on the training that we provide and it’s a great way to broaden your skills and improve your career opportunities. All of our volunteer firefighters that successfully pass the recruit training will graduate with their NFPA 1001 Level 1 and 2 certificates.
What are the Benefits?
Besides being a great way to serve your community, being a volunteer firefighter has a number of benefits. As a volunteer, you will receive an honorarium at year-end based on the number of points accumulated during training, emergency calls and community functions.
Every volunteer, spouse and dependents are provided with a nominal amount of life insurance. Volunteers are also insured against accident and illness resulting from firefighting. We also make available, a counselling program to volunteers and their immediate family members.
Volunteers are also trained in emergency first aid, CPR, vehicle extrication, water rescue and hazardous materials handling. We will also train you to get your airbrake drivers license (Z endorsement). Most importantly, there will be ongoing training in all aspects of firefighting.
How Do I Join?
The first step to becoming a volunteer firefighter is completing an application. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply. Every year, we review the number of active firefighters in each of our six districts and hire new recruits according to that review.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are interviewed by the District and Deputy District Chiefs. As well, there will a general knowledge test. To be accepted as a new recruit, you must:
- Provide a Certificate of Medical Fitness;
- Provide a Certificate from the Niagara Regional Police (criminal record check) satisfactory to the Corporation;
- Successfully complete a Physical Fitness Testing
After successfully completing recruit training, candidates begin a 12-month probationary period in their assigned fire station during which time there are additional evaluations and skillsets required for you to perform. Recruit training is conducted on weekends and some weeknights.