What Do You Need to Become an Arizona Volunteer Firefighter?

A number of volunteer fire departments exist across the state of Arizona. These programs allow state residents to serve the community by working to extinguish fires and assist fire victims. Some professional fire companies in Arizona, such as that of Phoenix, also take volunteers for special programs. Requirements for these volunteer programs ultimately depend upon the individual fire company. Contact your local fire company for specific information regarding requirements for volunteers.

Basic Requirements

The basic requirements for volunteer firefighters in Arizona depend upon the nature of the program. The Tombstone Volunteer Fire Department, for instance, mandates only that volunteers hold a valid driver's license and reside in Tombstone. Volunteer firefighter applications from areas such as Ajo-Gibson and Patterson Heights require information such as education, job history and age of prospective volunteers, but provide no explicit requirements for each. According to Education-Portal.com, most volunteer fire departments require a minimum age of 18 and minimum education of a high school diploma or equivalent.

Physical Requirements

As with basic requirements, stipulations for physical requirements made by volunteer fire departments in Arizona remain relatively vague. All volunteer firefighters with the St. Johns fire company undergo a training regimen at Northland Pioneer College, a nearby community college. The Ajo-Gibson fire department tests physical skills based on information found in the International Fire Service Training Association manual, which it provides to all potential volunteers. Firefighting often proves physically and mentally strenuous, involving withstanding extreme heat; moving and standing with heavy equipment for long hours; and carrying large loads like fire hoses and oxygen tanks. Volunteers should prepare themselves adequately for such strenuous activities.

Additional Requirements

Most fire departments in Arizona require a background check with the local police before joining as a volunteer. The Ajo-Gibson volunteer department mandates a probationary period of 90 days to six months, during which it tests volunteer aptitude for the job. The department can ask a member to leave at any point during this period if deemed unfit for the duties. The Patterson Heights department accepts volunteers with proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency only.

Other Program Requirements

Some fire departments host volunteer programs for positions other than regular firefighters. The fire department of Phoenix runs a volunteer cadet program for those age 16 and older with ambitions to become professional firefighters. Cadets must hold a valid driver's license and volunteer at least 32 hours every three months. The fire department of Surprise maintains a volunteer Critical Response Team. Volunteers in this program assist citizens in crisis situations. The department requires all volunteers be 18 or older; hold a high school diploma or GED and valid driver's license; volunteer at least 16 hours per month; possess the ability to lift 30 pounds; pass a background check; and attend all mandatory meetings.

References

• Education-Portal.com: Volunteer Fireman
• Phoenix Fire Department: Cadet Program
• Surprise Fire Department: CR Program
• Tombstone Arizona: Volunteer Fire Department
• Ajo-Gibson Fire Department: Volunteer Application
• Patterson Heights Volunteer Fire Department: Volunteer Application
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Fire Fighters
• St. Johns Arizona: Emergency Services