Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Help Your Community, Become A Volunteer Firefighter.

By Patrick E. Lambert

One of the most rewarding forms of charity is volunteer work. You are doing your community a great service by donating your time and effort to helping out anyway you can. A great way to service ones community is to become a volunteer firefighter. Volunteer firefighter work is very rewarding and you can potentially save countless lives. Despite its rewards the process to become a volunteer firefighter is very difficult and takes many steps which much be completed first.

If you are considering becoming a volunteer firefighter must first ask yourself if you have what it takes (and be honest with yourself). It is very physically demanding and extremely stressful. Anyone who cant handle it will surely crack under pressure. But those who have completed the program will tell you it is well worth it.

Before even considering joining you must first be in good physical shape. It takes a lot of strength and stamina to be a volunteer fire fighter. If you already take care of yourself you may want to incorporate some more cardiovascular and strength training into your regime just to prepare. If you aren't in shape then you should start a workout routine before you begin the program. This way you can start the build the muscle mass you would need to be an effective firefighter.

To officially begin first contact your local fire department on their non-emergency line. After speaking to the station officer you will be informed of various options. For example you might have the opportunity to participate in a ride along on a fire truck. This will allow you to get a great view of what it takes to be a firefighter, as well asking them for advice. Speaking with the station officer will inform you on whether this particular station offers programs for volunteer firefighters. If not you can find the nearest program over the internet.

Once you contacted your local fire station and spoken to the station officer, like with any position you will have to fill out an application. You will also have to wait during a screening process. During this time they will perform a background check on you and determine if you are suitable for the job based on your record.

If your record is clean and you pass the background check you can begin with the training program. You are required to complete a minimum of 110 hours of the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) certified course. Upon completion of the course you will be granted your certification and you'll be an official volunteer fire fighter.

Becoming a volunteer firefighter is very rewarding. You will be one of select few who are saving lives every day. If you are able of completing the training then it is an extremely rewarding experience.

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