Will I get paid as a volunteer firefighter?
Yes and no. You don’t get an hourly wage but we do offer compensation to help you cover the expense of gasoline.
What can I expect to get out of my participation as a volunteer firefighter with the Pettis County Fire District?
First, and most important, you will know that you are providing a very important service to your community one that very few people can do. There is no more noble of callings that to be in a position to give someone a second chance at life or return a family to their home when they thought all would be lost. Additionally, you will be provided with a great deal of exceptional training. The emergency medical training, fire training and rescue training, not to mention the specialty team training that is available to you, will serve you and your family well for many years. You will also become part of a family, a fraternity of sorts, comprised of many people from all walks of life, bound together by the common desire to help their fellow man. The serious nature of what we do, coupled with the dependency we have on each other in an emergency, creates a very tight kinship among Pettis Countys firefighters. Very special and long-lasting friendships develop. Despite the periodic intensity of our mission, these friendships truly establish a social environment which is very enjoyable in other words, we also have fun!
What safety equipment do you provide firefighters or do I have to buy my own equipment?
The Fire District supplies all the necessary firefighter safety equipment you will need to fight building fires, wildland fires, and perform rescues. Your firefighting equipment is called Turnout Gear and consists of a helmet, coat, pants, boots, head hood, gloves, suspenders and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) mask. Your turnout gear is utilized on fire calls and rescues. The SCBA packs are carried on our fire engines for use.
Can I use a blue-light and siren once I join the department?
Yes, but only after completing some very extensive emergency driving training. We have a comprehensive emergency response policy that is designed to insure your safety and the safety of the public while responding to an emergency. The cost of the necessary warning equipment is paid for by the volunteer firefighter.
How many calls can I expect to respond to in a week or a month?
That depends on your schedule and the number of emergencies occurring in your assigned stations area. The Fire District averages approximately 450 calls for emergency assistance each year. Obviously, no one can respond to all of the calls. The communications system allows the District to only activate those personnel who are assigned geographically to the area of the District in which the emergency exists.
Am I expected to respond from work?
That depends on your employer. Some of our firefighters are self-employed and have a great deal of flexibility. Some are students and others are employed full-time and cannot leave work. We ask that you respond when you are able to do so but we do not expect you to jeopardize your employment or your education.
Do I receive any training before being assigned to a station?
You bet! It is in our best interest, and yours, to have trained and competent firefighters responding to emergencies. Once selected to join our department, you will begin Firefighter Recruit Training under the direction of our Training Division. Your initial training will encompass more than 120 contact hours to teach you the things you need to know about being a good firefighter. The Recruit Class is 10 weeks long and you will meet every Wednesday night during this time. In addition, every other weekend is spent in aggressive, hands-on training.
Do I get any other training once I graduate from Recruit School?
Yes you do. In your first year as a volunteer firefighter you will be expected to attend and complete: Driver/Operator training, Hazardous Materials Operations training, and participate in one public fire or life safety education event.
What happens once I am assigned to a fire station?
Each “rookie” firefighter is assigned a preceptor or big brother/big sister to help shepard you through your first months as a volunteer firefighter. In addition, you will meet your station officers and be informed of your station responsibilities. Following Driver/Operator training, you will also start performing drive time on a fire engine in preparation your qualification evaluation.