Traditional Volunteer Firefighters are individuals who live within SCFD#10 or very close to one of our fire stations. They are fully trained as structural and wildland firefighters as well as have the opportunity to become EMTs-Emergency Medical Technicians. They train and develop their skills to become safe, efficient firefighters. These individuals respond directly to their assigned station from home or work when available or can work shifts at several of the stations as an alternative response model. A traditional volunteer firefighter lives within the district and is looking for an opportunity to give back to their community.

Firefighting is a physically demanding activity and it is not for everyone. However there are still other opportunities to contribute. Our dedicated Support Services team fills an essential function within our district for both emergency response and scheduled activities. Depending on the individual’s interests, these members are trained to respond to emergencies to fill air bottles, monitor firefighter health, drive water tenders to wildland or structure fires, support training activities, perform monthly truck checks and additional duties as assigned. These are not physically demanding responsibilities but do require basic mobility and the ability to work independently as well as follow procedures.

Your community needs you and we want you! This is an immensely challenging, rewarding, and fun opportunity to serve with compassion and empathy in a critically needed position for your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone else in need.

SCFD#10 is looking for individuals living in our community who have personal and organizational integrity and will make a commitment and represent our agency with pride. Firefighters/first responders and support services volunteers are male and female, ages 18-75. Their occupations include teachers, farmers, and ranchers, mechanics, truck drivers, active and retired military, police officers, bus drivers, college students, nurses, business owners, cashiers, professionals, and laborers just like you. Some are retired and have found firefighting to be the passionate activity they are looking for to challenge themselves while filling a vital community need. Other individuals work from home and have the flexibility to respond during their workday. These are a dedicated, compassionate group of individuals who find time to train and respond.

Trained Fire District 10 traditional (local) firefighters respond from home to emergency calls such as structure and wildland fires, medical emergencies including vehicle accidents, and hazardous materials situations. Support Services members help drive water tenders, fill air bottles at training and on scenes, and help with firefighter rehabilitation. Community and public education events are also opportunities for participation. Without Support Services Volunteers providing these services, our frontline firefighters must fill these roles utilizing scarce resources.

Initial eligibility includes: Live in SCFD#10, must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, be a high school graduate or have a GED, pass a medical exam, and pass a criminal background check. Ongoing requirements include meeting minimum training and response requirements.

A considerable time commitment is required to meet the initial minimum training requirements and to maintain proficiency. Because we understand the demands of family, work, and other lifestyle influences; portions of the training are flexible and may not be hosted in a recruit-type academy. For the traditional volunteer firefighting role you are expected to be in good health and able to master skills but not necessarily train as a new recruit doing pushups and sit-ups, running miles, etc. Training is segmented so it lessens the demand. It may include online training combined with hands-on training one or two evenings a week plus a Saturday for the duration of the courses.

Support Service volunteers have a considerably less upfront training commitment but still have to maintain membership requirements as well.

The rewards of volunteering with Spokane County Fire District#10 are both tangible and intangible. Your greatest reward may be the personal satisfaction you gain from helping others while working with some of the finest people in our community. You’ll learn new skills, make new friends, gain personal confidence, open yourself to new opportunities, and stretch yourself to do things you never thought were possible.

A volunteer’s ultimate benefit comes from truly neighbors helping neighbors in their time of need. A sense of pride and passion develops in belonging to the fire service family that protects and serves the community we live in.

Other benefits include:

• FREE training
• FREE Personal Protective Equipment
• Fire District Apparel
• Nominal reimbursement of expenses determined by a training and emergency response participation-based point system
• Enrollment in the Washington State Volunteer Firefighter Pension Plan
• Washington State Firefighter Disability and Death Insurance
• Opportunity to earn nationally recognized and transferable fire and EMS certifications through local, state and federal educational opportunities

READY TO SERVE?

Complete this simple inquiry form today or call us at 509-244-2425 for more information. We can answer any questions or address any concerns you may have and set up a tour of the fire station, ride along, or a meeting time to talk about joining our organization.