Volunteer Program

     Our volunteer program is the backbone of the organization. It is what started this department in 1964. It assists us with additional staffing levels to achieve the goals and demands of the district. We require volunteer employees to complete a 6 months probationary period. This allows us to evaluate their interest and dedication. It gives the probationary employee the ability to operate under direct supervision on projects and on emergency incidents. During the probationary period the new employee will have to meet several requirements before permission is granted to respond to calls or ride with the shifts. After the 6 months probationary period is completed the new employee will be taken off probationary status and will become an active employee and will be placed in one of two categories; Firefighter or Support services based on level of training. After completing probation, members will be issued a key and pager if available. Employees will be assigned to support services until sufficient training to be a firefighter.
     When an application is received it will be reviewed by the committee. If applicant meets our requirements and there is a current need the application will be processed. Background request should be turned into to the Fire Chief for processing. Once SLED check is received, the Volunteer committee will be notified. The member will then be scheduled for the next available candidate testing. If recruit is accepted to the department they should be issued 1- T-shirt/sweatshirt.

Volunteer Employee Requirements
  • Be a minimum of 18 years of age
  • Live within the district or no more than 5 miles out
  • Complete application packet and submit 3 year driving record
  • Interview with membership committee
  • May not be a volunteer at another fire department (unless approved by administration)
  • Attend a minimum of two (1) monthly training class and at least 4 multi company drills per year.
  • Employee must sign that they have received this guideline package
Classifications:
1. Active Volunteer (Firefighter)
  • Responds to alarms as needed
  • Responds as needed to staff a station
  • Attends annual infection control training and TB Testing
  • Attends and performs at one (1) of the interior firefighter refresher burns per year
  • Has a medical physical annually (interior and driver operators only)
  • FIT tested and evaluated to wear a respirator annually per OSHA
  • Issued protective clothing
  • Meets attendance requirements as outlined under Volunteer Employee Requirements
2. Active Volunteer (Support Services)
  • Responds to alarms as needed
  • Attends and performs at one (1) of the interior firefighter burns per year
  • Attends annual infection control training
  • Has TB test performed annually
  • Meets attendance requirements as outlined under Volunteer Employee Requirements
If an employee changes classifications they are required to turn in the equipment not assigned for their area. All employees meeting the above requirements are members of the SC State Firefighters Association. Any member failing to meet the above requirements can be subject to the following at the discretion of administration: written warning, written reprimand, or termination.

     We do require each employee to attend monthly drills and be able to maintain skills and education requirements as outlined in the policy manual. All the education requirements do not have to be received in house. If you have documented education from other agencies forward this to the education division for credit.

You are responsible for the documentation to be on file at the department.

     We require that you comply with the department’s minimum education standard. Some additional education may be required depending on your job classification status. Continued education is mandatory for all personnel and should be an opportunity to receive information that will make your job safer.
  • During the first month probationary members must successfully complete:
    • Infection control training, TB test, and the first of 3 HBV(or declination)
    • A fire district physical (FF and Driver/Operators only)
  • During the first six (6) months (if available) probationary members must successfully complete: (Issued approved used PPE, helmet w/ black stripe, orange decals, and no shield).
    • SCFA 1152 (Fundamentals of Firefighting (90 hours) or
    • First Aid/CPR/AED (Minimum) First Responder Preferred
    • Respiratory FIT Tested (Prior to FF training or assignment)
    • Online NIMS 700
    • 2727 HazMat Awareness Level (online course)
    After 1152 is completed recruit will be issued old yellow helmet w/yellow decals and shield
  • During the next six (6) months (if available) firefighters must successfully complete:
    • SCFA 1136 FLAG (8 hours)
    • SCFA 2728 HazMat OPS (32 hours)
    • SCFA 3330 Basic Auto Extrication (16 hours)
  • During the second year firefighters must complete:
    • SCFA 1153 FireFighter 1 (65 hours)
    • SCFA 1154 Firefighter 2 (44 hours)
    Firefighter 1 is the minimum requirement to be an interior firefighter After completion of 1153 a new helmet will be issued if available. After completion of 1154 a new set if gear will be issued if needed and available.
     This schedule may be accelerated based on availability of classes and the members personal schedule. Advanced classes will not be allowed without a Chief Officer approval until basic classes have been completed. Anyone who fails to complete a training class may be required to reimburse the department for the cost of the class.

Download an application for employment and volunteer here

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