Volunteer Firefighters
The Ross Valley Fire Department's volunteer program currently has 15 active volunteer firefighters from the local community. Volunteer firefighters augment the full-time, paid personnel during fires, large incidents, or multiple simultaneous incidents.
Ross Valley Fire Department has a long tradition of volunteer firefighting, and is one of the last volunteer firefighting programs in Marin. Our volunteers undergo extensive training, and require certification to many of the same standards as professional firefighters. As residents of Fairfax, San Anselmo, and Sleepy Hollow, volunteer firefighters contribute their time to helping protect the community they live in.
To become a volunteer firefighter, you must be at least 18 years old, a local resident, have a valid driver's license, and pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test). To apply, visit our headquarters station which at Station 19, 777 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA or fill out an interest card/application online.
Volunteer Firefighter FAQs
- Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter
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Being a Volunteer Firefighter is an extremely rewarding experience. Firefighters make a difference in the community by coming to the aid of people in times of greatest need. Life and death is often in the balance. Ross Valley Volunteer Firefighters have and will continue to positively impact the wellbeing of all people in this community.
We hire volunteer firefighters on a rotating basis as space allows - currently there are 15 active volunteer positions. The number of positions available differs depending on many different factors. Each qualified applicant must successfully pass an interview, a physical agility test, a background check and a medical exam.
New volunteers that possess a CPR certification, an EMT-Basic certificate and a certificate of completion from a certified Fire Academy are may be given an accelerated training schedule. Those that have neither certificate are put through both programs and are brought on as Active Volunteer Firefighter's at completion.
Minimum Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Possess a valid CA class C driver's license.
- Live within the service boundaries of the Ross Valley Fire Department or within an extended response boundary as approved by the Fire Chief.
- Submit an employment application.
Recommended Qualifications
- Possess a CPR certificate.
- Possess a certificate of completion from a certified California Fire Academy.
- Possess an EMT or EMT-Paramedic certificate.
- Possess any other certifications that further prepare in successfully assisting members of the community in the EMS and Fire Suppression fields.
If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Firefighter with our Department and you meet the above requirements, please fill out the employment application and bring it to the Administrative Office or mail it to the address on the application. We accept applications year-round. If you have any further questions about the Volunteer Firefighter Program, please contact Fire Captain Dan Mahoney.
- How soon can I begin responding to calls?
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Once you are hired, you must complete a training curriculum before you can begin responding to calls. If you already have a firefighter 1 certificate, you may be allowed to respond to emergencies sooner.
- What happens when there is a fire while I am at work?
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Most employers in the community understand the importance of volunteer firefighting, and will often allow volunteers to respond during work hours. This must be arranged in advance with your employer or school. Volunteers respond when they are able. When committed at work or out of there area, we hope others will respond, and that is why it is important to have more Firefighters. - What happens if I miss a volunteer drill?
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It is to your benefit and the community’s benefit if you attend as much training as possible, but most events are not mandatory. We do understand that you may have other obligations. These training events will keep you well informed and in practice. Certain important events may be mandatory. Volunteers must attend a certain percentage of drills, and respond to a certain percentage of calls for assistance.
- How will I know what to do?
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All required training is provided on Wednesday evenings at regularly scheduled volunteer "drills." Training dates are subject to change. Additional training and time may be required or offered outside of regular volunteer drills.
- How much will it cost me?
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Nothing. The Fire Department pays for all required training and equipment.
- What does a Volunteer Firefighter do?
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Our Volunteers do nearly everything career Firefighters do: respond to fires, traffic accidents, hazardous materials incidents, calls for assistance and medical emergencies. They participate in training and firehouse activities, and contribute to their community.
- Why are Volunteer Firefighters Needed?
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During large or extended emergencies, additional trained fire fighters are needed to assist with calls, cover fire stations, and support the professional fire fighters. Ross Valley Fire Department has a long, proud tradition of Volunteer Firefighters. The Volunteer Fire fighters represent a large part of our organization. They are our second line of defense by responding to emergencies that occur in our community and supporting the full-time staff. Our Volunteer Firefighters donate their time, train to a high standard and participate in all aspects of Department functions.