General Information
Firefighters Volunteer
- Volunteer Information
- Training
- Categories of Membership
- Current Volunteers
- Frequently Asked Questions
Documents
Applications
- Fire Alarm Permit & Application
- Fire Prevention Inspection Report
- Fire Suppression Permit & Application
- Flammable & Combustible Storage Tank Permit Application
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Home > Emergency Services > Fire Department > Firefighters Volunteer
Fire Department
Firefighters Volunteer
Volunteer Information
The fire service is probably the most diverse and challenging profession known today. It is this diversity that inspires most men and women to enter the service - both as volunteers and career employees. Imagine having to train to prepare yourself to cope with situations that range from structure fires to hazardous chemical spills, and almost any type of emergency in between. Combine this diversity with the fact that these skills may be needed at any time of the day, seven days a week, in any kind of weather, and very often under potentially stressful and emotional circumstances, and it is evident that our profession is one of the most personally rewarding.
We are here for two basic purposes. First is to save lives through the prompt rescue of persons threatened by fire, injury, illness, or other emergencies. Second is to protect the property of citizens in our city. Both these objectives are accomplished through education, training, pre-incident planning, more training, state of the art equipment, and more training. We are a paramilitary organization constantly working in a "hurry up and wait" environment.
This business is not for everyone. You need more than a desire to help people. You also need courage, dedication, assertiveness, and a willingness to learn new skills and face new challenges. The fire service is not for the meek or timid, or for those who lose control of their emotions during times of crisis. Our service is one that calls on its members to perform hot, sweaty, dirty, strenuous work, often in uncertain, emotional and hazardous environments.
The personal rewards and satisfaction each of us receives from fire service are often beyond description. The sense of accomplishment after controlling a fire or the joy when a person is rescued is a feeling that not many people have ever experienced.
The bottom line in our business is measured by the loss of life, pain and suffering, and property damage we have prevented and reduced. We are here and prepared for two reasons: To save lives and protect property.
If this sounds like the kind of environment in which you'd like to learn and work we welcome you to join us.
Training
Over the years, the fire service has evolved into a public safety agency providing highly technical and diverse services. The general public has come to rely on the fire department as the "first responder" not only when life and property are threatened by man-made and natural disasters, but for seemingly smaller problems as well.
In order to ensure that all members of the fire department are prepared to deliver the best level of service required, training standards have been developed to provide each member with the needed skills, knowledge, and abilities to deliver emergency services to the citizens of Hailey.
All volunteer personnel who wish to fight fires must complete a 68 hour, "Essentials of Firefighting" course, as outlined by the State of Idaho, prior to engaging in potentially dangerous fire fighting activities. They may serve in a capacity of limited support personnel until certification is achieved.
Volunteers successfully completing the "Essentials of Firefighting" course enter a three month probationary period when they can respond to all fire department emergency calls, and assist fully qualified firefighters when proper supervision is provided.
Categories of Membership
Basic Firefighter
Persons wishing to maintain basic firefighter status in the department attend a minimum of 30 hours of training per year, which includes certain mandatory training topics.
Engineer
Members who wish to operate the fire pumpers have at least one year of firefighting experience, attend a minimum of 15 hours driver/operator training and 15 hours of basic firefighter training annually, possess a valid Idaho drivers license, and have approval of the chief of the department.
Advanced Firefighter
Members who desire to increase their participation level are required to complete the prescribed training program to their level of interest, such as Essentials of Firefighting II or III, Hazardous Materials Technician, and others.
Support Members
This category is for those members who do not wish to participate in actual firefighting or other dangerous situations. They do, however, respond to major emergency scenes and provide support services, such as obtaining the needed supplies, staff the on-scene medical aid stations, photograph the scene for future analysis, and assist in rehabilitating fire crews. This category is very important, and in many cases, some firefighters may be assisted to this activity at major scenes if there is a shortage of support members.
Administrative Members
Men and women who can contribute to the volunteer service in the areas of fundraising, Public Relations, Public Education, and Administration are eligible for this category of membership. These are vital functions that support the volunteer company and the goals of the fire department. Those persons who do not have the desire to participate in emergency activities, or those who cannot meet the physical requirements for firefighting or support duties, are encouraged to enter the service as administrative members.
Current Volunteers
| Name | Rank | Member Since |
| Baledge, Michael | Lieutenant/EMTB | 1999 |
| Chapman, Mike | Chief/EMTB | 1991 |
| Davies, John | Support Member | 1967 |
| Fischer, Paul | Fire Fighter | 2006 |
| Gerber, Rick | Fire Fighter | 2001 |
| Harned, Tom | Fire Fighter | 2005 |
| Harris, Justin | Fire Fighter | 2002 |
| Herbert, James | Engineer/EMTA | 1998 |
| Hjelm, Carl | Assistant Chief/EMTA | 1992 |
| Larna, Jared | Fire Fighter | 2005 |
| Miley, Scott | Fire Fighter | 1992 |
| Nordstrom, Trevor | Fire Fighter | 2003 |
| O'Donnell, Rob | Fire Fighter/EMTB | 2003 |
| Palmer, Vaughn | Assistant Chief/EMTB | 1990 |
| Rainey, Pat | Captain | 1990 |
| Rainey, Phil | Lieutenant/EMTB | 1997 |
| Rasmussen, Brandon | Fire Fighter | 2002 |
| Swanson, Rob | Fire Fighter/EMTB | 2003 |
| Warner, Robbin | Fire Fighter/EMTB | 2002 |
| Wisby, John | Fire Fighter/EMTB | 2006 |
| Yates, Anna | Fire Fighter/EMTB | 2004 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1. How do I become a Volunteer Firefighter with the Hailey Fire Department?
- Q2. What's the cost of the required training?
- Q3. How much will I have to pay for my protective clothing and uniform?
- Q4. What is the format of the volunteer training schedule?
- Q5. Who provides insurance coverage for my activities as a volunteer?
- Q6. After my initial training, how much time will I be expected to give as an active member?
- Q7. If I have prior fire service training and experience, will it count towards the Hailey Fire Department requirements?
- Q8. Is it possible to concentrate my participation and specialize in areas within the fire service?
- Q9. Do I need to pass a physical examination?
- Q10. Can a woman be an active member of the Hailey Fire Department?
- Q11.Do men and women have the same requirements for entry and training?
- Q12. How do I become a Full-time Firefighter with the Hailey Fire Department?
- Q13. Will serving as a volunteer give me any preference in being hired as a career firefighter, if a position is available?
Q1. How do I become a Volunteer Firefighter with the Hailey Fire Department?
A. All new paid-per-call members are required to complete a basic firefighting course that generally begins in early September and is completed in mid November. (Exceptions to this requirement may be made when a person has documentation of a recently completed and approved "Essentials of Firefighting", Firefighter 1, or other extensive firefighter training experience.) We also hold a training and orientation for new members in February of each year. This training allows the new member to assist in fighting wildfires during the summer months.
Q2. What's the cost of the required training?
A. The required training for service as a volunteer is provided free of charge. Transportation to and from the training classes is the responsibility of each member.
Q3. How much will I have to pay for my protective clothing and uniform?
A. All required protective clothing and uniforms are provided by the fire department at no cost to you.
Q4. What is the format of the volunteer training schedule?
A. The "Essentials of Firefighting" class is a minimum of 68 hours in length, and
is usually scheduled for every Thursday night, for 11 weeks. Every third week
there is a full day Saturday skills class relating to the previous classes.
All missed classes must be made up prior to full certification of course completion.
Once the training course is completed, the volunteer may then attend any of the
various Wednesday evening training sessions, according to the
category of membership
they so desire. (NOTE: Administrative and support members are not required to attend
the Essentials of Firefighing Course.)
Q5. Who provides insurance coverage for my activities as a volunteer?
A. Volunteers are covered under workers compensation through the State of Idaho, for injuries incurred while acting as a volunteer firefighter. In addition, the fire department also has a supplemental policy for accidents incurred on the job. Finally, should any member die as a direct result of their participation as a volunteer firefighter, the Federal Government will provide a $100,000 life insurance premium to your beneficiaries. (Each member is advised to maintain accident and liability insurance for the personal vehicles they may use to respond to emergency scenes.)
Q6. After my initial training, how much time will I be expected to give as an active member?
A. While the exact time requirements vary between categories of membership, the minimum level for continuing basic training is 30 hours per year. This provides for one 2 1/2 hour training session per month. In addition, your attendance at a monthly business and maintenance meeting is requested. Advanced levels of training are open to all eligible members, and will be held on alternate Wednesdays. (Most scheduled department trainings are held on Wednesday evenings.) Special seminars may be scheduled in our area, or made available for students to attend at their location around the state or country.
Q7. If I have prior fire service training and experience, will it count towards the Hailey Fire Department requirements?
A. In most cases, prior training can be used to meet our standards. It will usually depend on how current your training is. Our training requirements are based on both state and national recommendations, which are administered by the Hailey Fire Department.
Q8. Is it possible to concentrate my participation and specialize in areas within the fire service?
A. Certainly. We only ask that you maintain a current base of generic firefighting knowledge that all firefighters must possess during your specialty training.
Q9. Do I need to pass a physical examination?
A. Currently, the Hailey Fire Department does not require firefighters to have a physical exam prior to entry, or to remain on the department. It is anticipated in the next few years that physical examinations will be required both upon entry into the service, as well as annually. Until this service is provided, you are strongly advised to check with your doctor to insure that you are able to participate at the level of activity that you will be expected to, while you are a member of this department.
Q10. Can a woman be an active member of the Hailey Fire Department?
A. Of course. There are many women currently in the fire service throughout the nation and our local area who function in the same capacity as do their male counterparts.
Q11. Do men and women have the same requirements for entry and training?
A. Yes. A fire or other emergency does not vary based on the gender of the emergency responder. Training and other standards have been based on performance requirements and do not vary. This helps to insure a consistent level of performance expectations.
Q12. How do I become a Full-time Firefighter with the Hailey Fire Department?
A. All of the full-time positions with the fire department are administrative positions that require extensive firefighting experience as well as specific administrative skills. As our department grows, we anticipate the need to add several entry level positions in the near future, with firefighter/EMT's who can assist in the ever increasing administrative functions of the department. The best way to obtain any full-time position in the fire service is to obtain an associate degree in fire science. In addition, becoming a volunteer firefighter can certainly help in obtaining a full time position, as it demonstrates your commitment and skills for the job.
Any upcoming positions will be posted on this web site, and is open to anyone who has the appropriate qualifications for the posted position.
Q13. Will serving as a volunteer give me any preference in being hired as a career firefighter, if a position is available?
A. While no hiring preference is given, serving as a volunteer member will give you the opportunity to gain valuable training and experiences in the fire service. This background will enhance your ability to be competitive during any selection process for a career firefighter.