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Frequently Asked Questions Who can be a member? Anyone 16 years old (Junior Firefighter), 18 years old (Active Firefighter) or 16 years old (Business Member). Firefighters need to have generally good health, and must be capable of withstanding the stresses inherent in the course of their duties. Business Mmembers have no restrictions, as they operate to support the firefighters both in the business affairs of the Department and at times with water/food support during extended fire calls. What is involved in being a member? (list for junior, firefighter, business) Firefighters actively train to manage fire and rescuse situations and execute the Departments's standard operating procedures (SOPs) during fire calls. How do firecalls work? (who comes to fire) Each member is issued a pager, which alerts the member when the Department is dispatched by the 911 center. Members drive to the fire station, don their protective clothing, board the fire apparatus, and drive to the scene. In practice, this is a classic "first come, first served" volunteer situation, where the first members to arrive at the station make up a crew and go on ahead. Other arriving make up additional crews and man other apparatus as called for by the SOPs or the dispatch. Our neighboring fire departments have agreed on a set of mutual aid guidelines as a group, which usually results in two or more fire departments being called for the same event. The first unit or officer on the scnene will usually make a determination of whether additional units are required, and will return un-needed apparatus and personnel to their stations. How often is a member required to attend fires, practice drills, and meetings? Members are required to attend at least four activities per month, where an activity might be a fire call, a training or membership meeting, or a support activity such as station cleanup days, open houses, classes etc. Credit is given for meetings missed due to work or other special conditions. Is there a cost to become a member? No! Your time and effort is all that is requested! What training is involved and who pays for it? The Department currently requires that all firefighters pass the Allegheny County 'Essesntial of Firefighting' course to leave probationary status and become a full member. We also encourage members to take courses in Basic Vehicle Rescue, and basic first aid: First Responder. The Department pays for all courses, and encourages members to advance in their knowledge and skills by hosting classes when possible, and by encouraging class participation.
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