Become a member of WCFD7

Is it your time to volunteer, or begin an exciting career?

For many years, volunteer firefighters did what had to be done to provide aid and fire services. Volunteers come from all parts of our community. They vary in age and lifestyles, they are both men and women.

Volunteering as a firefighter/EMT is a challenging, exciting and rewarding experience. The reason for wanting to become a volunteer firefighter varies: from the thrill; to a desire to give something back to our community; as a hobby; family tradition and more.

There is no difference in certification between career and volunteer responders. You can be fully trained and state certified at no expense to you. It may surprise the average citizen to learn that even those 16 to 20 years old can volunteer to become a member of the WCFD7 Fire Cadet program.

Whatcom County Fire District 7 is a combination (career and volunteer) Fire Department responding to over 6,000 calls in a 72 square mile service area annually. These calls include emergency medical services, motor vehicle accidents, structure and brush fires. Volunteers also provide support for public education and fire prevention, including school presentations, station tours, fire extinguisher training, and other community events.

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

All hiring is conducted on an as-needed basis. Please submit copies of certifications with your application packet.

Entry-Level Firefighters: Applications are accepted from January 1st through April 30th. Volunteers with no certifications are only eligible once per year.

     *Lateral Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic: Applications are accepted year-round for firefighters who meet the following requirements:

• Firefighter 1 certification,
• EMT certification,
• A minimum of one year fire department experience

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
- Complete an accurate application (incomplete applications will not be accepted) within the application period, if applicable
- Must be 18 years of age at appointment and eligible to work in the United States
- Possess a High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Washington State Drivers License
- Have and maintain an insurable driving record with no more than two traffic violations
- Must possess and maintain physical fitness for duty and be capable of
performing any required firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical activities
- Successfully pass all steps of the testing process.
   TESTING PROCESS includes:  Written Exam, Physical Agility Test, Oral Board Interview

Candidates who are offered a conditional offer of employment are also required to pass: In-depth Background and Driving Record Check, Occupational Medicine/Firefighter Physical Exam, and Drug Screening

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Volunteer Firefighters are trained to nationally recognized standards in the areas of fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials, and apparatus operations through the Whatcom County Recruit Academy (WCRA). The WCRA is typically held each fall and runs from mid-August through December. Attendance is mandatory, with classes being held every Tuesday and Thursday evening, every Saturday, and some Sundays for the duration.

After graduating from the WCRA, volunteers will attend an EMT class, if needed. EMT classes are 3-4 months in length, with classes typically being held every Tuesday and Thursday evening and most Saturdays.

INTERN PROGRAM
After graduating from the WCRA and obtaining a Washington State EMT certification, volunteers move to our Intern Program. Interns self-schedule 2-5 shifts monthly, depending on the needs of the department, and receive stipends for doing so. Interns are also expected to maintain their skills through quarterly Fire and EMS training requirements. EMTs are required to complete their quarterly OTEP training within the
assigned quarter to keep their certification current per our OTEP plan with the Washington State Health Department.

Support Division and Tender Operations:

Applications are accepted year-round. The Support Division offers shelter, food, and medical support to firefighters during major incidents, while Tender Operations supply water in non-combat roles. Applicants must live within or near Fire District 7’s response area.