Please keep in mind that if you've ever wanted to volunteer, but weren't sure what you could offer the fire service, there's
always a need and a place for every volunteer. Not every volunteer will run into a burning building, nor does every
volunteer desire to do so. There are needs for support personnel with less strenuous, less demanding jobs.
assistance with getting tools and gear
volunteers to run rehabilitation on scene (getting
drinking water, manning a cooling station) for overheated
firefighters
assisting with traffic control or "Do Not Cross" lines
at a fire scene
on scene communication, helping to relay pertinent
information where needed
There's always a job that needs to be
performed. Not every incident requires every volunteer,
but having enough volunteers on scene allows each one to focus
on their specific task. Every individual has an area they
excel in, fire fighting, medical, extrication, incident command
or many others, but if that person's focus is broken into
multiple areas of an incident they can't perform at their peak,
that's where support crews are the most important.
Please think about what you can do to
help, even if you have no desire to fight a fire, you may be
able to volunteer and make a big difference on scene and in our
community. We are the family of White Plains Fire
Department, we are friends to each other and support each other,
if you would like to be part of our family,
contact us.
We're going places. Do you want to come
along for the ride?
Volunteer firefighting is a very
rewarding and valuable way to serve your community. It takes
dedication and many hours of training to become a firefighter.
If you're willing to put in the time and effort, there is a
department ready for you to serve. Below you'll find frequently
asked questions about becoming a volunteer, as well as the first
basic steps you might take toward volunteering.
The basic steps to
becoming a volunteer firefighter:
1.Make sure you're ready to
commit. Making the
decision to become a volunteer firefighter should not be
taken lightly. It requires hundreds of hours of training and
a strong commitment to service.
2. Contact your local fire service
agency.Not all
departments have volunteers, and depending upon your area, its
population and local government, volunteer opportunities may not
be available. If your local department doesn't have volunteers,
one nearby may.
3. Call your local fire
station's non-emergency number and ask to speak
with the station officer. Tell him or her that you're
interested in becoming a volunteer and ask what your next
step should be. He or she should be able to direct you to
the best resources and people to help you. Often,
departments will allow you to ride along on their apparatus
to let you make a more informed decision about whether
volunteer firefighting is right for you.
4. Once you've identified a
department, you will need to complete their application
and background check process. Screening process and required
qualifications vary by department.
5. After you join, the
department will usually enter you in a training program.
The length of these programs varies, but all firefighters are
required to take a minimum 150-hours training over two years.
Volunteering at White Plains Fire
Department
The White Plains Volunteer Fire
Department is always looking for people that want to help their
community in a time of need.
If you're a hard working individual that takes pride in helping
those around you then becoming a volunteer firefighter may be
for you. It's not easy and it's not always fun, but it is
rewarding.
Specialized training is required to be able to perform the tasks
necessary to fight a structural fire or extricate an entrapped
victim from a motor vehicle accident, we can get you the
training if you have the heart to utilize it.
Stop by the fire department if you see someone there or contact
us to make an appointment to come by and check out the
apparatus.
