Nationally over 800,000 men and women serve in the United States as Volunteer Firefighters.   Starting in Riverside County’s oldest cities, the Riverside County Volunteer Fire Service dates back over 130 years.   Today, the Riverside County Fire Department has approximately 65 Volunteer Fire Companies with over 1,000 volunteer firefighters who serve the citizens of Riverside County, including numerous contract cities.

After September 11, 2001 the number of men and women serving as Volunteer Firefighters in 2002 increased to over 1000 and has remained steady since a low of 784 in 2001.

As trained firefighters, volunteers respond side-by-side with career firefighters to wildland fires, structure and vehicles fires, medical emergencies, traffic collisions, hazardous materials, floods and other emergencies.   In addition to responding on Riverside County Fire Department Fire Engines, Water Tenders and Breathing Supports, Volunteer Fire Companies own and operate 22 squads, which are purchased and maintained with community donations and grants.   Many of these squads carry specialized equipment, including Jaws of Life and other firefighting and rescue tools.   The Department also utilizes Volunteer support teams to providing additional staffing and services at the Ben Clark Training Center, Indio and Riverside EOC’s, Perris ECC and the Mobile Emergency Operations Center (MEOC) command post vehicle.

In 2002, Volunteer Firefighters participated in over 36,000 hours of mandatory training, and provided over 48,000 of hours of emergency service.

The Department also has a Volunteer-In-Prevention (VIP) program, which assists in many areas of the countywide fire prevention program.   These Volunteers play an essential role in filling the Department’s commitment to the fire prevention message.   This includes:   Child fire safety education which reaches over 90,000 children, Public Information Education which logged over 2,000 hours of contact with the public and news media, as well as working at community fairs and patrolling during “Red Flag” declared situations.

How to become a Volunteer Firefighter:

Download the Volunteer Firefighter Application and take the completed form to the Riverside County Fire Station that is closest to your home. You can also contact the Riverside County Fire Department Volunteer Services Program Manager:
Office Number: 951 940-6343
Office Fax: 951 940-6870
Email: RVC.Volunteers@Fire.ca.gov

If you are interested in a support position such as dispatch call-taker,  Mobile Emergency Operations Center Team member, or Water Tender Operator,  mail an application to the RCOFD Volunteer Services Program Manager at 210 West San Jacinto Avenue, Perris , CA 92570.

 

Also, you can learn more about the Volunteer Fire Companies within Riverside County Fire Department by visiting the Riverside County Volunteer Firefighter Association website .

 

 

Volunteer Firefighter Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do with the Application?
Once you have completed your application you must return it to your nearest Riverside County (or contracting city) fire station.   Your local community based Volunteer Fire Company (VFC) will then contract you to set up an informal interview.   If you have other fire department or EMS training certificates, please attach copies to your application.

 

When Do I start training?

If your application is accepted by the VFC and the Riverside County Fire Department you will be classified as a "Recruit" (a non-responding position until you finish training) and placed on a six-month probation.   You will be required to attend and successfully complete multiplle firefighting and safety training classes.   The Department may offer the training classes in the form of a formal training academy or on a self-paced program.   These classes may be taught in the evenings and/or on the weekends depending on operational availability.   Your attendance will be required at every training session.   Poor attendance will result in removal from the training program and separation of your membership from the VFC and the Riverside County Fire Department.   Federal Law also requires completion of a 16-hour Hazardous Materials course before you can start responding.

 

What additional training is required?

In addition to the basic firefighter training stated above, California State Law also requires successful completion of an EMS First Responder/CPR or EMT course within one (1) year.   Once you are authorized to start responding, the Riverside County Fire Department requires you to participate in a minimum of three (3) hours of fire or rescue type training every month.

What about safety gear?
Once you have completed most of your training you will be given an appointment to obtain your firefighting (wildland and structural) safety gear from the Department Service Center.   Your safety gear must be stored at the fire station until you are authorized to take it home.   The department does not provide uniforms.   Clean, presentable and professional looking civilian clothing is permissible during classroom training until such time as you obtain an approved VFC uniform.

When do I respond?
You are not allowed to respond to any emergency until you have completed the Volunteer Firefighter Trainee Program AND have been given approval to respond to emergencies by the Station Captain.   For training and supervisor purposes, your initial responses should be done while riding on fire/rescue apparatus from the fire station.   Certain restrictions apply to volunteers lacking EMS/CPR certification.   Consult with the station Captain and VFC President about current policies.

What If I live too far from the fire station?
All volunteer firefighters are issued fire department pagers that allow you to hear emergency dispatches in your community.   Volunteers are encouraged to respond to emergencies on fire/rescue equipment, however they are authorized to respond to certain nearby emergencies in their private vehicles under strict guidelines.   Motor Vehicle laws must be adhered to and at no time shall any rotating or flashing lights or siren be used with private vehicles.   All appropriate safety gear must be worn at all times.   The station Captain and VFC President must be consulted prior to responding in a private vehicle.

How much time will be required of me?  
Once you complete your basic training (Volunteer Firefighter Trainee) and are approved to respond, you will be required to meet minimum participation standards.   The RcoFD requires you to participate in a minimum of three of 3 hours of fire or rescue type training every month.   Your VFC may have additional monthly or quarterly minimum training, vehicle maintenance, meeting, and response participation requirements.

What are the physical and mental demands?
Firefighter duties require the ability to perform heavy physical work, follow oral and written directions, and be able to work in situations where heat and/or stress are intense.   All Firefighters (paid or volunteer) can be subjected to very demanding conditions, while fighting fires (wildland, structure, vehicle) or providing rescue services.   Extended periods of work time may be required, walking, climbing, jumping, twisting, bending, and lifting firefighting or heavy rescue equipment or victims.

What If I get injured?
You will be enrolled into the state workers compensation insurance program prior to the start of any training.   Safety standards will be strictly enforced at all times.   You will be required to read and comply with all safety standards at all times.   You are required to report any injury to your immediate supervisor.

Do volunteers get paid?  
Limited hourly compensation is offered for actual firefighting duties.   Over 80% of all emergency responses are non-fire related and therefore do not offer compensation.   Volunteer firefighters are members of their community based Volunteer Fire Company and offer their volunteer services for the benefit and protection of their community.