Volunteer Services
Thinking about volunteering?
Volunteers take on several different roles in providing community service to the citizens of LCFD 5. From working closely with career members on daily duties and calls for service to taking part in Washington State mobilization requests for wildland firefighters during large state fires. When these requests are made, trained wildland firefighters may be requested for deployment if available to assist. The Washington State Patrol compensates volunteer firefighters for their time during these mobilizations, which may last anywhere from a few days to multiple weeks.
Volunteer applicants are provided the necessary training and protective gear for the volunteer position they apply for.
Requirements
Volunteer applicants must be 18 years of age, have a valid WA state driver’s license, high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, and be free of criminal convictions.
Application Process
Once the application is returned to the office it is reviewed for completeness and background. Applicants are then contacted to schedule interviews. Following acceptance, a physical abilities test will be conducted. Applicants passing this phase will complete medical/physical testing.
Recruits joining the department may experience a delay prior to academy start. A number of tasks can be finished pre-academy to include ride-a-longs and attending Monday drills as indicated. Lateral transfers can begin task book sign off and skill proficiency testing.
Once the in-house academy is complete, recruits will continue working on their task books; this phase can take up to 10 months depending upon hours available to finish the task book. At the conclusion of the academy and task book manipulative skill testing, recruits can test to receive IFSAC Firefighter 1 certification. Recruits wishing to advance and receive EMT certification should anticipate an comprehensive college class (approx. 160 hours) and field training before functioning as an Emergency Medical Technician.
Training to become a volunteer firefighter/EMT requires a significant investment of time and effort to become certified and operational. You will gain occupational job skills, exceptional leadership opportunities, and a work family like no other. Other benefits include OJT injury coverage, nominal stipend, and option (after 1 year) for inclusion in the Board of Volunteer Firefighters pension.
If you have a passion for helping your neighbors and don’t mind working in all kinds of weather or challenging conditions – complete a volunteer application – call us if you would like to know more and to schedule a ride-a-long. Plan to invest time to gain the necessary skills and task competencies. Ask about non-combat volunteer opportunities as well. We look forward to meeting you.
Want more information?
Fill out the form below or call (360) 262-3320
Training Information
Lewis County Fire District 5 operates as a combination fire district. A combination fire district means a mix of career and volunteer staff serving the community. Members of LCFD 5 complete daily station duties, conduct weekly and monthly training for fire and medical scenarios and work cohesively in providing a high level of service for the public.
Members of LCFD 5 are required to meet industry standards related to its service. For example, paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) attend monthly training where they learn about different disease processes, apply what they have learned through practice scenarios, and test skills such as CPR or airway management. Fire training follows the same pattern, using a curriculum to learn fire behavior, fire suppression, and vehicle extrication.
To become a firefighter, a person must undergo standardized training through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). Firefighter 1 certification is obtained for LCFD 5 personnel through the Thurston Fire Training Academy. New members to LCFD 5 are offered EMS and fire training paid for by the fire district.