Question 1

Where can I learn more about joining?

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in joining the Franklinville Fire Department, or have more questions, please attend one of our regular training meetings, held every Tuesday, at 7:00 p.m.

STATION 8
146 West Main Street
Franklinville, NC 27248
(DIRECTIONS)

Question 2

Who can be a volunteer firefighter or EMT?

Accepted Answer

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.  Your local department will likely have specific requirements, such as a minimum age or background check, but these vary by department.

Question 3

How old do I need to be in order to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age requirement for junior membership is 16yrs old.  At 16, members can begin attending fire academy classes, fire department trainings, and other department-related events.  Once a member reaches 18 years of age, they can become a certified interior fire fighter which permits them to enter a burning structure.

Question 4

What kind of training do I need?

Accepted Answer

Once you sign up to be a firefighter or EMT, you will need to be trained.  Training requirements vary by state, locality, and department.  The time investment in training depends on the level of training and certifications your specific department requires. Fire departments typically provide or arrange for volunteer personnel to receive all required training at no cost to the individual.

In general, volunteers may be asked to complete certification training for one or more of the following:  Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations, Traffic Incident Management, Wildland Firefighter.

Question 5

What will I do as a volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the training you receive, and the department’s needs, you may be asked to do some of the following.  Fire departments typically provide or arrange for volunteer personnel to receive all required training at no cost to the individual.

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
Public Events

Question 6

How many hours do I volunteer for?

Accepted Answer

Volunteers are required to have 36hrs of volunteer time throughout the year to remain on the active roaster.

Question 7

Do volunteer firefighters get paid?

Accepted Answer

Volunteer firefighters freely volunteer their time as a way of serving their community.  Volunteers do recieve $3,000 in equipment, including fire department branded shirts, but they do not recieve monetary compensation.

Question 8

What other benefits may I receive?

Accepted Answer

When you sign up to be a volunteer, you will receive:

Free Fire & EMT Training
All Equipment Needed
Retirement

Other benefits include:

Maintaining Physical Fitness
Helping People and Saving Lives
Developing Lifelong Friendships
Opportunities for Advancement

Question 9

What is the schedule for a full-time firefighter?

Accepted Answer

Franklinville firefighters work what is known as a 3/4 schedule.  On-shift personnel will work a 24hr shift, every other day, for a period of 6 days.  For example, a firefighter may work Thursday/Saturday/Monday, with a 24hr rest period in between each shift.  Following the 3rd, and final 24hr shift, firefighters will have a 96hr, 4 day, rest period before starting a new rotation.

The Franklinville shift calendar can be found here

BECOME A FRANKLINVILLE VOLUNTEER

Frequently Asked Questions