Volunteer Firefighter/ Support

There are many roles for volunteers in South Kitsap Fire and Rescue (SKFR). A typical fire response will alert the volunteer suppression firefighting members who schedule their lives to respond one week out of every three-week period.

Suppression Volunteers

• Suppression volunteers are trained to work alongside career firefighters during fire response situations. They are the local heroes who dedicate their time and effort to protect the community.

Support Services Volunteers

• Support services volunteers are called to respond to fires, primarily assigned to the air unit and water tenders. The air unit refills the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) bottles for suppression personnel, while volunteer tender operators are dispatched to areas with insufficient hydrant coverage.

Chaplain Program

• The chaplain program provides personal assistance to individuals experiencing tragedies. Chaplains offer immediate emotional support and connect individuals with further assistance if needed. Donations can be made to the chaplaincy program at the district office.

Community Volunteers

• Community volunteers are involved in prevention efforts, such as conducting free home safety inspections and installing smoke detectors for residents. They also participate in community events like “Give Burns the Boot,” Safety Fair, Hot Foot 5k, and various parades.

Over the years, the SKFR Volunteer Association has expanded its role, supporting both emergency response and community engagement. Volunteers are an integral part of district-organized activities, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of the community.

For more information, please visit the volunteer website at SKFR Volunteer Association.

Requirements

General Requirements for All Volunteers:

Age: Must be at least 18 years old. Background Check: Must pass a comprehensive background check. Physical Fitness: Must meet the physical requirements specific to the volunteer role.

Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening Commitment: Must be willing to commit to the training and volunteer schedule. Teamwork: Must demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills. Specific Requirements by Role:

Suppression Volunteers:

Training: Completion of required firefighting training programs. Certification: Obtain necessary certifications (e.g., CPR, First Aid). Availability: Ability to schedule and commit to responding one week out of every three-week period. Physical Fitness: Must meet rigorous physical fitness standards due to the demanding nature of firefighting. Support Services Volunteers:

Training: Completion of specialized training for operating air units and water tenders. Certification: Obtain necessary certifications (e.g., driving certification for tender operators). Physical Fitness: Must meet physical requirements specific to handling equipment and driving support vehicles. Chaplain Program:

Training: Completion of chaplaincy training programs. Experience: Prior experience in providing emotional and personal support is preferred. Availability: Must be available to respond to emergencies and provide support as needed. Community Volunteers:

Training: Completion of training related to home safety inspections and public education. Certification: Obtain necessary certifications (e.g., smoke detector installation). Communication Skills: Strong communication skills for interacting with the community and conducting inspections.