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WEST THURSTON
VOLUNTEER program

West Thurston Regional Fire Authority is proud to provide emergency services across 156 square miles through a combination of dedicated career and volunteer firefighters and EMTs. Our volunteer members play a vital role in our mission by responding to emergencies, supporting community events, providing public education, and helping us deliver exceptional service to the citizens of our district.

Whether your goal is to give back to your community or begin a career in the fire service, our volunteer program provides the training, experience, and mentorship to help you succeed.

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At West Thurston Regional Fire Authority, volunteers are an essential part of our team. We are committed to creating an environment where every volunteer is supported, challenged, and given the opportunity to grow.

Our Volunteer Recruit and Retention Coordinator has developed a comprehensive program that supports volunteers from the moment they apply through their training and beyond. Volunteers receive mentorship, ongoing education, and hands-on experience while serving alongside experienced career firefighters and EMTs.

When responding to emergencies, our volunteers are held to the same professional standards as our career personnel. They receive the same quality training, work as part of the same team, and are expected to provide the same high level of service to our community.

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As a volunteer, you'll receive:

  • Professional firefighter and EMT training

  • Mentorship from experienced firefighters and officers

  • Real-world emergency response experience

  • Leadership and personal development opportunities

  • Department-issued personal protective equipment and uniforms

  • Volunteer stipend opportunities

  • The satisfaction of serving your community

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Volunteering is a rewarding experience that requires commitment and dedication.

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Volunteers are expected to:

  • Complete a minimum of 36 scheduled duty hours each month

  • Attend required training and continuing education

  • Respond to emergency incidents when available

  • Participate in community events and public education programs

  • Assist with station, apparatus, and equipment maintenance

  • Represent West Thurston Regional Fire Authority with professionalism and integrity

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Minimum Qualifications

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  • Be committed to serving their community

  • Possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record

  • Be able to pass a criminal background investigation

  • Successfully complete a physical ability test

  • Successfully complete the written examination and oral interview process

  • Pass an NFPA-compliant medical examination after acceptance into the program

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Applicants who already possess a current Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate through the National Testing Network (NTN) or Public Safety Testing (PST) may use that certification in place of our physical ability test.

Training

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Once accepted, volunteers receive department-issued gear, uniforms (excluding footwear), and begin a our training program.

Volunteers are assigned to one of our stations in Grand Mound, Rochester, Littlerock, or Maytown and serve alongside both career and volunteer personnel.

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Volunteering with West Thurston Regional Fire Authority is more than joining a fire department, it's becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting lives, serving neighbors, and strengthening our community.

What to expect

Apply → Ride Along → Written Exam→ Physical Ability Test → Interview →Acceptance → Orientation → EMT Course →  Fire Academy  → Active Volunteer

Training

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Volunteer Firefighter/EMTs are required to obtain and maintain the following certifications:

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter I

  • Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Awareness

  • Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Operations

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with National Registry (NREMT) certification

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No prior fire or EMS certifications are required before applying. All required training and instructional materials are provided by West Thurston Regional Fire Authority.

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Training Process

After acceptance into the volunteer program, recruits begin with a department orientation and pre-academy program designed to prepare them for success.

Volunteers then progress through the following training sequence:

  1. Department Orientation & Pre-Academy

  2. EMT Course (sponsored by West Thurston Regional Fire Authority)

  3. Volunteer Recruit Fire Academy

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Both the EMT course and Fire Academy typically last 3–4 months and generally consist of two evening classes and one weekend day each week.

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Academy Expectations

To remain in good standing during training, recruits must:

  • Maintain a minimum 80% academic average

  • Attend all required classroom sessions, practical skills training, and weekend evolutions

Failure to meet attendance or academic standards may result in dismissal from the program.

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Upon successful completion of the training program, volunteers will earn:

  • National Registry EMT (NREMT) Certification

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter I Certification

  • Hazardous Materials Awareness Certification

  • Hazardous Materials Operations Certification

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Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Duties

Volunteer Firefighter/EMTs perform a wide variety of emergency response and community service responsibilities, including:

  • Responding to fire, medical, rescue, and other emergency incidents

  • Providing Basic Life Support (BLS) patient care

  • Assisting with patient assessment and transportation

  • Performing fire suppression, overhaul, and fire prevention activities

  • Operating hand tools, power tools, and firefighting equipment

  • Driving and operating Fire/EMS apparatus when appropriately trained and authorized

  • Participating in rescue operations

  • Assisting with the maintenance of stations, apparatus, and equipment

  • Participating in community outreach and public education activities

  • Maintaining the physical fitness necessary to safely perform the duties of a firefighter and EMT

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Shift Requirements

Volunteer Firefighter/EMTs are required to complete a minimum of 36 scheduled duty hours each month.

In addition to scheduled shifts, volunteers are expected to:

  • Attend required department training.

  • Maintain all required certifications.

  • Participate in community outreach events.

  • Support station, apparatus, and equipment readiness.

Volunteer requirements

FAQ About Becoming a volunteer

Q. Who can be a volunteer firefighter or EMT?

A. If you have the desire to serve, you can be a volunteer firefighter or EMT. You don’t need any prior experience in emergency services; you will receive the training you need when you join the department

Q. How long is the training?

A. EMT academy is 3-4 months, 2 nights during the week 4 hours each and usually every other Saturday for 6 hours. Fire academy is 3-4 months, 2 nights during the week and 1 day every other weekend.

Q. What are the benefits of being a volunteer firefighter or EMT?

A. Volunteer first responders help their fellow citizens in times of need. Volunteers enjoy a sense of accomplishment, achievement, and pride in the work they do. In addition, volunteers get to learn new skills, make new friends, be a part of a team, give back to their community, and make a real difference.

Q. What will I do as a volunteer in my local fire department?

A. You will do a variety of things such as, fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response, Search and Rescue, Traffic Incident Management (TIM) and Highway Safety, Public Information and Education, Inspections, Fundraising and Public Events

Q. Do you have to live in district?

A. No, but we would love if you lived relatively close in case there is a call back and you are able to respond to the station.

Q. Are there advancement opportunities as a volunteer?

A. Many individuals volunteer to gain experience and training to prepare for a career in the emergency response service. Most departments with career firefighters and EMTs prefer to fill open positions by hiring internally.

Q. Do volunteer firefighters get the same training as a career firefighter?

A. While volunteer firefighters are trained in all of the same basic skills as their paid counterparts (e.g., first aid, equipment usage, safety protocol, fire management, search and rescue), their knowledge is typically not as expansive given that it isn’t their full-time job.

Q. How Much Time Will I Need to Spend as Volunteer?

A. Becoming a volunteer is a serious commitment — but we ensure it’s as flexible as possible to fit in with and work around your day-to-day life.

For those looking to be Firefighters and EMTs, this includes training that is conveniently scheduled on nights and weekends at locations in or our district, flexible duty shift schedules and more. A new recruit without any prior training can expect to spend 300-400 hours their first year going through the process, initial training, events and more.

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