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Volunteer

Volunteer for the SIFPD!


SIFPD is looking for volunteer Firefighters and EMTs to serve as the first line of defense in our community!

As a volunteer-based organization, we rely on the members of our community to step up and provide this life-saving service for each other. From blazing wildfires to medical emergencies, your commitment and bravery will save lives, homes, and the beautiful desert landscape we all love

No experience? No problem! We provide comprehensive training to equip you with the skills and confidence to handle the challenges you'll face in the SIFPD, whether as a Firefighter/First Responder or EMT.

 

Whatever role you play, you will be a vital part of fostering a safe, responsible and thriving community!

 

What We Offer:

  • Hands-on training and certification
  • Small, supportive team atmosphere
  • Pay: Stipend paid per call-out
  • The opportunity to make a real impact in your community!

 

Job Description:

  • Respond to a variety of calls, including (but not limited to): wildfires, structural fires, vehicle crashes, search & rescue, and medical emergencies
  • Consistent commitment: We ask our volunteers to be On Call and ready to respond at most times. Because of the critical and dangerous nature of our work, volunteers are expected to stay within or close to the District, sober, and able to respond when On Call.
  • SIFPD receives 50-60 calls per year on average. However, sometimes things can get chaotic, especially in the busy tourist season! You can expect to respond to about 5 calls per month - but of course, it may be more or fewer.
  • Complete required training courses as needed. See ‘Training’ below for more details.
  • SIFPD does everything in its power to ensure the safety of our volunteers. However, firefighting is an inherently dangerous activity. While on duty, you may be exposed to certain risks, including exposure to hazardous materials, smoke inhalation, fire, and emotional/psychological stress. 

 

Job Requirements:

  1. Basic Criteria
    -     18 years of age or older
    - High school diploma or GED
    - Valid Driver's License and good driving record
     
  2. Physical Fitness
    Emergency response is physically demanding. You’ll need strength, endurance, and agility to handle heavy equipment, carry hoses, navigate through difficult terrain, and sometimes work in extreme heat.
     
  3. Successfully Complete Application Process
    -     Oral interview
    - Background check
    - Drug test
    - Physical evaluation
     
  4. Mental and Emotional Resilience
    You’ll face high-stress situations, sometimes working long hours in extreme conditions. Resilience and mental toughness are critical to staying focused and calm during emergencies, and not creating an additional burden for your team.
     
  5. Live Locally (Preferred)
    Preference is given to those that live in the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District. Having our volunteers close by helps avoid unnecessary delays in response times. Those outside the District can still apply and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
     
  6. Commitment
    Because of the investment in training we provide, we ask our volunteers to commit to serving the department for a minimum of 2 years (including training period).
     
  7. Pledge
    As a sign of your commitment, volunteers are asked to sign a Volunteer Agreement Pledge.
    Click here to read the pledge.

 

Training:

You don’t have to wait to be trained to start volunteering. You’ll receive on-the job training as an active volunteer, and work towards your certification.


Volunteer Firefighter/First Responder Training
Volunteers will receive both Firefighting and First Responder training to prepare them for the challenges they will face on the job.

  • Firefighter Training (up to 600 hours)
    • A combination of online, in-house, and academy
    • Some travel may be required; training and travel costs paid by SIFPD
       
  • First Responder/Medical Training (up to 32 hours)
    • Medical Training: 24 hours minimum (total hours may vary)
      • Classes taught by Billy Eichenbaum, a licensed EMT Instructor credentialed by the Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency.
      • Classes consist of classroom instruction, physical practice, videos, and an online component. Books will be provided, but a mobile internet device is required (phone, tablet, or laptop).
    • CPR/First Aid Certification: 8 hours

EMT Training & Certification (140 hours)
SIFPD will provide training for volunteers to become fully-licensed EMTs.

  • Classes will be taught by Billy Eichenbaum, a licensed EMT Instructor credentialed by the Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency.
  • The classes will consist of traditional classroom instruction, physical practice, videos, and an online component. Books will be provided, but a mobile internet device is required (phone, tablet, or laptop).
  • The class typically runs for 3 weekends a month for 4 months to complete the total 140 hours of classes required for certification. However, alternative schedules can be made to accommodate the volunteers’ schedules.
  • Additionally, students will ride along on ambulance calls and/or shadow staff in an ER.
  • After successful completion of the class and ride-alongs, students will need to pass the National Registry of EMTs’ Test. (Test preparation and support will be provided).

In certain circumstances, SIFPD may opt to send volunteers to an intensive 2-week bootcamp in lieu of the in-house training.

 

Application Process:

The application process takes several weeks. The general process looks something like this:

  1. Submit an application
    Either pick up an application form from the SIFPD office, or send us an email at admin@sifpd.org to request a copy.
    Submit your completed application to the SIFPD office at 410 Tecopa Hot Springs Rd, Tecopa CA 92389
  2. In-person Interview
    You'll have an interview with our Fire Chief to discuss the role, ask questions, and determine if this is a good fit for you.
  3. Background check
    As with most emergency response roles, a criminal background check is required to ensure safety and trustworthiness within the team. Results of the background check will remain totally confidential - only our Fire Chief will have access to this information.
  4. Drug test
    For safety and liability reasons, it is imperative that our volunteers are drug-free when on the job.
  5. Physical Evaluation
    A medical evaluation ensures you’re physically able to handle the demands of the job.

 

Are you ready to answer the call? Become an SIFPD volunteer and make a difference when it matters most. Your courage could save a life!