Volunteer Firefighter

Who Can Apply?

Applicants for the position of volunteer firefighter must be 18 years or older and should be in good physical and mental health. The applicant must possess a current Montana driver's license, have a good driving record, and may not have a serious criminal record.

A question that if often asked by applicants is: "Will I be required to respond to every call or be available 24 hours a day?" The answer is NO! Your ability to respond is extremely important. Generally, availability to respond to emergency calls is important, however, the fire department understands some individuals may be at work, school or out of town which prohibits their ability to respond to every incident. Your availability at other times is necessary and appreciated. Your attendance at required training sessions during your recruit and probationary period, ability to respond, work schedules, etc. will be evaluated during the interview process on an individual basis. We ask that you are usually available to attend our meetings and trainings held on Monday nights from 7:00pm to 10:00pm

How Do I Apply?

You are required to complete and file an application. Your application will be reviewed by the fire department and you will be notified when we would like you to come in for an interview. During your interview you will meet with a panel of firefighters and any questions you may wish to have answered can be done during this interview. There will be a background check completed on each applicant. It is important that all information requested on the application be completed in detail. Becoming a member of the fire department's team requires careful selection. The selection process is designed to help the department recruit people who will become the safest and most effective firefighters on any emergency scene.

Failure to provide adequate information will be just cause for rejecting your application for membership. Please provide all information as requested on the application form.

How Will I Be Trained?

As a volunteer firefighter, you will become a member of a team of one of the most respected volunteer fields in the United States. As a recruit firefighter, you will undergo training that will provide you with the basic skills of firefighting. This training will be a mixture of lecture, practical instruction, hands on skills and self-study. During your period as a recruit firefighter, you will be learning your job skills as a firefighter. This is important to ensure your safety as well as the safety of other firefighters you will be working with. Some of the topics that will be covered during your probationary period include: Introduction to the Fire Service, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, Ladders, Water Supply, Fire Behavior, Ventilation, Radio Communication, Incident Command, Forcible Entry, Rescue Practices, Fire Streams, Firefighter Safety, and Wildland Fire Suppression.

Upon successful completion of your recruit training, you will begin your period as a probationary firefighter. This period of time will be used to further provide you with the necessary training and skills to become a veteran firefighter in this department. This however, does not end your training. In fact, your service as a volunteer firefighter begins your continuing education to stay abreast of training skills and firefighting techniques, latest equipment and emergency procedures relating to fire and emergency services. You will continue to receive your training on a regular basis by attending the department’s training classes on Monday nights and by attending the many optional state training classes provided by the state's training organizations.