Could you be a volunteer firefighter in IL? Here’s what you need to know to apply
Illinois is facing a shortage of volunteer firefighters, leading state lawmakers to propose a bill to give such workers a $500 tax credit in hopes to combat the shortage.
But what is required of volunteer firefighters, and how can you apply to be one?
Volunteer firefighter duties
At Belleville’s Signal Hill Fire Department, there are two types of volunteer firefighters: active members and associate members. Active members respond to emergency incidents, attend training and drills and assist in maintaining apparatuses, equipment and facilities. Associate members contribute to the department in a non-emergency capacity.
Essential functions of active members include the ability to act as a team and independently at unpredictable incident scenes, ability to spend extensive time outside in the elements and the ability to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing duties. Firefighters must be able to perform demanding physical tasks in up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, 100% humidity weather while wearing personal protective gear. A more comprehensive list of essential abilities is available in the department’s application.
Active members must commit to giving their time to attend emergency incidents, meetings, training drills, public relations events, committee assignments and other department activities.
Associate members must commit to contribute a minimum of 40 hours per year through public relations events, committee assignments, work details and more.
How to apply to be a Signal Hill volunteer firefighter
Potential volunteers must first complete an application to be considered. Then, they will receive a receipt letter and their application will be processed. Next, reference and background checks will be conducted. If an applicant passes all stages, they will eventually proceed to the basic skills test, interview, acceptance and physical exam.
Among the initial application requirements is a section requiring input from the applicant’s spouse, near relative, parent or guardian. That person must consent through signature that their relative will be giving their time to public service and that giving some form of public service is the duty of every citizen.
Signal Hill Fire Chief Tom Elliff said that the reasoning for this requirement is for the volunteer’s relative to be informed about how firefighting will affect their household life, as it requires a time commitment from the applicant.
The department advises that it may take three weeks to five weeks to complete the application process. Once accepted, a volunteer will undergo a six-month probationary period.
How to apply at the East Side Volunteer Fire Department
East Side Volunteer Fire Department has similar application requirements for volunteer firefighters. ESVFD has two engine houses, both in Belleville, and prospective members must reside within a 4-mile radius of either location. The houses are at 3111 E. B St. and 1723 N. Belt E.
Completed applications should be delivered to the B Street station between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on a Monday evening, and potential volunteers can observe a Monday night training session. Once a volunteer passes the background check, the firefighter’s association will consider eligible applicants at a monthly business meeting. Then, volunteers will be issued a training task book; after completion, they will be eligible to be sworn in on a probationary basis. Probationary firefighters are issued equipment and can respond to emergency calls.
Applicants who poses valid firefighter certifications may be offered an accelerated membership process.
Volunteers at East Side are required to obtain the basic operations firefighter certification within two years of joining.
To retain membership status, ESVFD volunteers are required to respond to a minimum of 20% of all calls, attend a minimum of 24 training drills per year and attend a minimum of nine business meetings per year.
Volunteers for either department must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check and must live within proximity to the station.
Villa Hills Fire Department
Villa Hills Fire Department is volunteer run and has 20 active members. Its call volume is 50 per year, and it has two engines and a tanker. It is located at 100 Conniston Drive.
If you are interested in volunteering with Villa Hills, you can stop by the firehouse from 6 to 10 p.m. Mondays. Information about calls received by Villa Hills is available on its Facebook page.
Where else can I volunteer to be a firefighter in Illinois?
For more opportunities to become a volunteer firefighter, check out Make Me a Firefighter. The website allows you to enter in your zip code, the type of service you are interested in and how far you want to travel to find opportunities near you.
This story was originally published March 22, 2022 at 9:32 AM with the headline "Could you be a volunteer firefighter in IL? Here’s what you need to know to apply."