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Volunteer Firefighter |
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Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Red Lodge Fire Rescue. Our volunteer firefighters are represented by the Red Lodge Volunteer Firefighters Association. The position of firefighter is one of tremendous responsibility and individual dedication. Being a firefighter demands a great deal from each individual.
Our department is held in the highest esteem by our community. We are a progressive organization that maintains a high level of professionalism and expertise. Becoming a member of our team carries with it not only tremendous responsibility, but it also carries a lot of personal pride. This department is very proud of the men and women who are part of the organization. The individuals you will meet are highly motivated and committed to improving our community. We constantly strive to enhance, upgrade, and improve the level of fire protection and emergency services we provide.
We hope the information contained herein is helpful to you and your family. Should you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact us or stop by the station. If you would like to apply to become a member, please fill out an application and return it to the station or a department member.
Sincerely,
Tom Kuntz Aaron McDowell Fire Chief Deputy Chief
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 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 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 you were provided. Your application will be reviewed by the fire department and you will be notified when we would like you to complete the interview process. During your interview you will meet with a panel of firefighters and any further 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 men and women 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 organizations 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. Training programs that will be covered during your probationary period will include the following recommended topics: Introduction to the Fire Service, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, Ladders, Water Supply, Fire Behavior, Ventilation, Fire Hose, Incident Command, Forcible Entry, Rescue Practices, Fire Streams, Firefighter Safety, and Wild Land 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 of this organization. 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 or by attending the many state training classes provided by the state's training organizations |
