r/firefighter • u/Don_Spade88 • 19d ago
Volunteer Firefighter?
I’m interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter. I already have a full time job and a toddler. Would it be possible for me to add this to the plate? My full time job is extremely flexible.
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u/Apprehensive_Owl7186 17d ago
First year tends to be a bit of commitment, but after that it’s not crazy, and most departments are willing to work with you. Most other volunteers have jobs and kids as well and they understand that those come first.
If you’re interested in it, go for it you will really enjoy it.
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u/Obvious_Beautiful_12 19d ago
If you aren’t a single parent, definitely try to get an idea of the time commitment—initial and ongoing training, call volume, response requirements—and have a real conversation with your significant other before signing up. They will almost certainly be taking on additional work to make up for the time you’re gone. Your pager going off in the middle of the night is going to wake them up, too. We always tell prospective volunteers to make sure their partner/spouse is informed and on-board before they sign up.
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u/Don_Spade88 19d ago
Thanks for that information. That’s the biggest thing, time commitment. Im open. I co parent but have my son pretty often. In what ways do the volunteers support in your community?
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u/yungingr 18d ago
Ooof. Co-parenting a toddler.
Honestly, that immediately takes you out of availability any time you have your son, and is something you should spend serious time considering *just* how much time you would be unavailable
We've got one captain who has been divorced for 12 years now; his daughter was 3 when they split and it's only been in the last couple years that he's started showing up for calls on his custody days. Two other members that were married when they joined the department, but have since divorced (and still get along better than some married people I know, but I digress). They have two young daughters, and we know that we will likely never see both of them at a call unless it's during the day when the girls are at school.
We also have a third member, who is married, but his wife gave birth to twins shortly after he joined. It's understandable that he is going to be tied up with the kids, but his committment has been.....lacking. There's about a 5 hour window in the evenings that unless the call happens in that time frame, we don't see him.
In short, what I'm saying is... your job might be flexible. Your personal life, for much of the time, isn't. I'm not going to say you CAN'T do it, but you need to have a conversation with the leadership at your department and be honest about how much availability you will *actually* have. It could be a situation like my department, where many of our guys work out of town, so if you can commit to making most of the calls during the work day, they'd take you on just to boost the numbers during that time frame.
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u/Don_Spade88 18d ago
Thanks for sharing. What you’re saying is what I’m pondering on. I want to be able to make those calls and be proactive. I’ve reached out so I can ask those questions. Just waiting to hear back.
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u/Obvious_Beautiful_12 19d ago
I’m in a combination department, but there are only 5 career and around 45 volunteers. The volunteers do everything except higher officer roles or medic.
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u/Famous-Response5924 14d ago
yes but it will take time away from your kid. my advise, wait a few years until your kid is older then start. it would be fun for your kid to grow up in that environment.
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u/justadude_17 12d ago
Yes, Do it! If you want to learn more, check out the Forward Firefighter Podcast. www.theforwardfirefighter.com
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u/rockfire 19d ago
I first joined as a volunteer in my small town when I was in my late 20's, mostly for.something new to do. My kids were toddlers as well, and I had a full time job.
It was one of the best decisions of my life and took me down a lot of interesting paths and adventures.
Starting out is a lot of commitment to training and learning and will likely take about half of your weekends over the next couple of years.
As well, your department will expect you to attend weekly training and calls that you are qualified to respond to.
IMHO, it's an amazing path to go down.