Q) Why does someone volunteer to be a firefighter?

 

A) Most firefighters would likely answer that they volunteer to help people. The primary focus of firefighters is “to protect lives and property”; however, there is a level of excitement, thrill and risk that also helps to attract and retain members.

 

Q) What are the benefits of being a volunteer firefighter?

 

A) The biggest benefit comes in the form of self gratification. You know after returning from an emergency call that you and your fellow firefighters did the very best that you could to mitigate the emergency using the training and knowledge you have gained. There is no better feeling than knowing that the actions of you and your fellow firefighters likely saved a life, building or other property.

 

Q) What are the downfalls of being a volunteer firefighter?

 

A) The biggest downfalls of the volunteer fire service are fundraising and management. A volunteer fire department must have all members assist with fundraising. You must learn the skills to be able to safely help others and also learn the tricks and ways to earn money just to be able to pay the bills and keep the doors open. The volunteer fire department, anyway you try to look at it, is a business. Decisions must be made regularly on how to spend money, raise funds, make proper investments keeping fiduciary responsibility in mind, plan for capital equipment replacement, building construction, renovations and additions, make decisions that may or may not be viewed as wise choice in the public eye, and plans must be made how to adapt to new and changing government regulations. We also must make decisions and take a stance on many issues involving the fire service, often having to appeal to public officials at the federal, state, county and local levels of the political arena. It also can be very difficult after returning from an emergency call when no matter what anyone could have done, the end result was tragic.

 

Q) Can I make money doing this?

 

A) No, there is currently no financial cash benefit for any of our firefighters, all our members volunteer with no compensation at all. Currently, the only financial benefit comes in the form of a life insurance policy for our regular active members but legislation has been in the works for several years to create incentive recruitment and retention programs. One such program proposed would pay a form of “retirement” based on years of service. This program has been referred to as the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP).

 

Q) How much training is required to become a volunteer firefighter?

 

A) Our department requires all new members to attend classes offered throughout different times of the year. We encourage new members to take a class called “Essentials of Firefighting” which is certified from the PA State Fire Academy. Many other classes are offered throughout the year.

 

Q) What if I am afraid of heights or something else?

 

A) Anyone who is not comfortable with performing a certain task is usually not required to perform the task. You may, however, be required to pass certain physical skills to obtain certifications from the PA State Fire Academy.

 

Q) What kind of training is offered or available?

 

A) We have a number of firefighters certified in a variety of specialized fields in addition to firefighting basics. All firefighters are required to pass classes in National Incident Management Systems, Basic Firefighting and Hazardous Materials. Many others are certified in other fields such as Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (air masks), Vehicle Rescue, Rope Rescue, High Angle Rescue, Pump Operations, Confined Space Rescue, Handling Propane Emergencies, Use of Radiological Monitors, Aircraft Crash Fire Rescue, Advanced Respiratory Protection, Rapid Intervention Teams, Hazardous Materials Operations, Hazardous Materials Technician, Emergency Vehicle Operators Class, First Aid, Automatic External Defibrillators, CPR, Emergency Medical Technician, and Water Rescue Awareness to name a few.

 

Q) How do I become a firefighter?

 

A) Fill out all the information located at the bottom of this page and a Fire Fighter from Peebles will contact you,

 

Q) Do I have to buy my own equipment?

 

A) No, the Peebles  VFD will provide you with the personal protective equipment and an alerting device for fire calls. New members typically will receive used gear to start. We do not usually purchase a new set of gear for a probationary member until the new member proves that they are going to be a serious, dedicated, active firefighter as each set of structural fire gear costs about $3,000.00 per person.

 

Q) How dangerous is it to be a volunteer firefighter?

 

A) Firefighters, volunteers and career firefighters alike, die or are killed throughout the United States and Pennsylvania each and every year. Firefighting is a physical, strenuous job and not for everyone. Firefighting does have a prescribed amount of risk that goes with the duties; however, properly trained firefighters learn the skills needed to avoid unnecessary risk and learn proper fire ground management techniques to limit injuries and deaths. Sometimes though unfortunate circumstances occur which can cause injury and death.