Become a Part

    Of the RVFD

Become a firefighter and make a difference in your community. Join the Reedsville Volunteer Fire Department and experience the satisfaction of helping others in times of need. As a volunteer firefighter, you'll receive specialized training, work as part of a dedicated team, and have the opportunity to save lives and protect property.

Desired Qualifications

- At least 16 years old

- Live locally

- Motivated to serve your community

- Good Physical Health

- Good moral character

Volunteer Firefighter

Job Responsibilities

Reedsville Volunteer Fire Department badge
  • Responds to fire alarms and extinguishes fire
  • Responds to calls for medical assists
  • Responds to and renders assistance in emergency cases
  • Makes minor repairs to equipment and apparatus, performs routine preventative maintenance tasks, and keeps records of such action
  • Acquires and retains a thorough knowledge of the City, including streets, buildings, water supply, unusual hazards and related items
  • Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City and Department policies and procedures
  • May work with other City departments
  • Cleans and inspects equipment and apparatus after returning from a fire
  • Inspects equipment and apparatus and notifies chain of command of any defects
  • Keeps fire station, equipment and grounds in a clean and orderly condition
  • Participates in training activities and instruction sessions
  • Performs various public information or education tasks
  • Enters inspection, training and (on occasion) and fire calls into the records management system
  • May respond to emergency calls for specialized service such as hazardous materials, confined spaces rescue, extrication and technical rescues that include high angle, below grade, swift water, trench and collapse rescues

FAQs of Volunteer Firefighting

  • Where might firefighters perform rescues?

    Firefighters are called in as first-responders to car crashes, structural collapses, cave, tunnel and ice emergencies. They might often respond to elevator emergencies and industrial emergencies, including those involving power lines. Firefighters also take care of pre-fire planning, hydrant maintenance and child safety seat installations.

  • What are the typical hours for firefighters?

    Most firefighter shifts are 24-hour shifts. Some of them work for only 8 to 12 hours, but this is not the usual practice

  • What qualities make a good firefighter?

    Qualities that a good firefighter is expected to possess should include a commitment to diversity and integrity alongside great problem-solving skills. They must be open to change, have confidence and resilience. They should also be aware of how to communicate effectively and work in a team.

  • What training is required?

    In most areas of the country, volunteers can be fully trained and state certified at no expense to the volunteer. It is common for volunteer emergency responders to receive the same training and certifications as career firefighters and EMTs.


    Departments often consist of various divisions which specialize in a specific area, such as dive team, search and rescue, fire inspector, etc. Volunteers are able to participate in these specialized areas with proper training. It is common for fire and EMS services to be combined in one department and therefore, volunteers are required to be trained in both fields.


    Most departments require volunteers to obtain firefighter I certification within the first 24 months with the fire department. EMS training is also required for those who provide patient care.

  • Are there advancement opportunities?

    Many individuals volunteer to gain experience and training to prepare for a career in the emergency response service. Most departments with career firefighters and EMTs prefer to fill open positions by hiring internally.

  • What's the department structure?

    Every department has a leader, typically a Chief who has been elected or hired. The Chief is usually tasked with daily operations such as budget, training, community relations, recruitment and retention, government relations, etc. It's common for the Chief's position to be full-time and paid, even in a volunteer department. In most situations, Chiefs appoint individuals to support the department.

  • Who Volunteers?

    Volunteers across the country consist of both men and women, young and old. Volunteers of any race are welcome to the volunteer fire and EMS service. Every department has different requirements and a different process in which to become a volunteer. In every department though, a volunteer must be in good health condition and be respectful and determined.

  • Do Volunteers receive compensation?

    Compensation varies by department. Some departments do not provide any kind of payment, some provide a small stipend per call and/or training, others provide hourly payment while responding to a call and/or attending training.

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