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Volunteers |
 Becoming
a Volunteer Firefighter
The first step to becoming a volunteer on our department is
completion of an application packet. Next is a casual interview with
the Chief. Then you are given a pre-employment written test.
You must score at least 75% on this
test in order to proceed. After successfully completing the test,
the Chief recommends that you attend at least two training nights.
(Wednesday at 7:00 P.M) An Officer's review board will then be
scheduled. This is a panel interview with the Chief (nonvoting) and
the Department officers.
Once you've passed your officer's board, a physical agility test
will be scheduled here at the station. The next step is a
pre-employment physical provided by the department through Dr
Dickson's office. |
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you've cleared those seven steps you are officially on the
Department and will be issued your gear and uniforms. Shortly after
joining the Department, you will work with the Officers and Chief
taking classes that cover CPR and First Aid, scribing, apparatus,
equipment, safety and personal protective equipment (PPE), self
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA, search and rescue and water
supply. After receiving this training, you will be issued your pager
and radio. |
After you join
Within the first year on the
Department, you will be expected to attend the Whatcom County Fire
Recruit Academy and in the second year attend the EMT class given
through Bellingham Technical College. Classes for both are held
Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturdays. After receiving your
Academy training and EMT certification you are expected to give a
year of service to the Department. If you fail the Academy or EMT
school you are not eligible to serve on the department.
Because the City makes an investment in your training there are set
standards you are expected to give back to the Department. Once you
are response ready you must make nine calls per month, minimum;
additionally you must attend training every Wednesday night from 7
P.M. until 10 P.M. You may request an excuse from training if you
must work by contacting your shift Officer; otherwise you are
expected to be there. Makeup training can be done Saturday morning
with the Training Officer.
The City pays $9.00 an hour for
training time and $12.00 per call. If a call lasts longer than an
hour you will be paid for each additional hour or 1/2 hour. Fire
calls often do run longer than an hour; most aid calls do not. Our
department averages about 85 calls per month.
There is a great deal of pride here in the Department. We feel this
is the best Department in the County. We welcome new volunteers and
would like you to give serious consideration to the commitment you
would be making if you decided to pursue becoming an Emergency
Responder for the City of Lynden.
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