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Step 1
Fill out an application. Perhaps the main key to remember in the application process is that you will not be allowed to join if you have a prison record. If you have no prison record, then you will be allowed to start attending meetings.
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Step 2
Complete a probationary period. Generally after about 2-5 months of meetings, the department will have a meeting to decide if you should be allowed to act as a full fledged member. The decision is based upon some of the following conteria: your attendance, personality and general willingness to complete the necessary steps to become a volunteer fireman. Criteria like attendance is used to measure your "probability" for success and dependability. After being voted in, you will finish a probationary period before all the privileges of a member are bestowed upon you. Remember: integrity, focus and personality are still being closely examined from the time your application is accepted untiol your probationary period ends.
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Step 3
Undergo firefighter training. This typically lasts a little over 2 months, but no longer than one year from the time of voting. You will be required to take the OSHA Firefighting Course before you are allowed to enter a burning building or fight brush fires. This course is a requirement and is offered free of charge to members and volunteers. The course is generally six weeks long and is usually offered in your local area. However, for the burning building portion of the course, you may have to travel to the Fire Academy in Columbia, South Carolina. The course costs anywhere from $350-$400.
