WEST THURSTON
VOLUNTEER program
As a combination fire department serving 156 square miles, this structure enables us to maintain a full-time staff for daily operations while also maximizing the use of our volunteer resources. This allows us to place more apparatus into service and handle multiple emergencies at once, ensuring equipment and crews are ready when needed. As a result, we have significantly improved response times and overall coverage, enhancing our ability to protect and serve the community more effectively.
West Thurston is making substantial improvements to the Volunteer Program by hiring a Volunteer Recruit and Retention Coordinator and refining the structure to better support our members of the department. Our goal is to build a strong, stable volunteer program that equips every volunteer with the tools they need to succeed while reducing turnover and strengthening retention. The volunteer firefighter/EMT’s at West Thurston Regional Fire supplement our career staff.
The current temporary grant supported Volunteer Recruit and Retention Coordinator has revitalized a comprehensive Firefighter/EMT program designed to support volunteers before, during, and after training. At West Thurston, volunteers are treated equally to career staff—when responding to the community, there is no distinction in expectations or standards. Volunteers receive the same training, mentorship, and time investment as their career counterparts, preparing them to succeed as leaders, whether they continue as volunteers or pursue a full-time career. We have also increased stipends for various situations, ensuring volunteers feel recognized and supported.
Most individuals join our program not only to serve their community, but also to gain the education and experience needed to pursue a career in fire or emergency medical services. Retaining a volunteer for at least two years is considered a success, providing value both to the department and to the individual.
TRAINING:
Volunteer Firefighter/EMTs are required to obtain and maintain the following certifications in order to serve in this role:
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Firefighter I (IFSAC/ProBoard)
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Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Awareness
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Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Operations
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EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician – Basic) with National Registry (NREMT)
All training and equipment are provided. Applicants are not required to hold these certifications prior to applying.
Once accepted into our volunteer program, members begin with a department-led orientation and pre-academy program. After successful completion, volunteers are enrolled in an EMT course sponsored by West Thurston. Upon completion of the EMT program and successful achievement of National Registry (NREMT) certification, volunteers will attend a Volunteer Recruit Fire Academy.
Each program typically lasts 3–4 months and generally consists of two evening classes and one weekend day per week.
To remain in good standing during academy training, recruits must:
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Maintain a minimum 80% academic average
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Attend all required classes and skills weekends
Failure to meet attendance requirements or maintain the minimum grade standard may result in dismissal from the program.
Upon successful completion of both programs, volunteers will hold:
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NREMT Certification
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IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter I Certification
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Hazmat Awareness and Hazmat Operations Certifications
Volunteers may also pursue NWCG Type 2 Firefighter (Red Card) certification for wildland fire response.
DUTIES:
Our Volunteer Firefighter/EMTs perform a wide range of emergency response and community service responsibilities, including:
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Transporting patients to medical facilities
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Providing Basic Life Support (BLS) services
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Fire suppression and fire prevention activities
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Operating power and manual tools
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Driving and operating Fire/EMS apparatus such as aid units, fire engines, support units, water tenders, and other emergency vehicles
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Performing a variety of rescue services
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Participating in ongoing training and maintaining required certifications
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Maintaining department facilities and apparatus
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Attending and participating in public education events
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Engaging in community outreach activities
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Meeting required health and physical fitness standards
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This role offers meaningful opportunities to serve the community while gaining valuable emergency response training and experience.
SHIFT REQUIREMENTS:
Volunteers are required to complete a minimum of 36 hours of on-duty shift time per month. In addition, members must actively participate in community outreach events and remain in compliance with all department-established training standards.
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.