What is the process to becoming a volunteer firefighter?

​1. Contact the fire chief to make arrangements to attend a training session to see what its all about.

2. Complete and submit an application for volunteer firefighter.

3. The Fire Chief will contact you to schedule an interview.

4. Upon acceptance, candidates will complete a confidential medical questionnaire.

5. You will be wait-listed for the next scheduled Sonoma County Volunteer training academy. 

6. After successfully completing the training academy, the new firefighters will be cleared to respond to fire calls and attend mandatory weekly training nights..

 

 

 

When do the Volunteer Firefighters Train?

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Firefighters meet 3 times a month, evenings from 7-10 pm. Other special training sessions do arrise. The normal training sessions are held on the first Thursday of the month, second Wednesday of the month and last Thursday of the month (7 to 10pm) to drill on fire suppression techniques and to practice medical skills. Other drill topics include water rescue, rope rescue, CPR recertification, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response and confined space rescue.

 

 

 

Do you have to go into burning buildings?

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No. If you wish to become a volunteer and not wish to enter IDLH (Immediate Danger to Life and Health) atmospheres you can become a "support volunteer" Support volunteers can drive fire apparatus, respond to medical emergencies and do support function like traffic control on a vehicle accident.

 

 

Is there any compensation for being a Volunteer?

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No. The Bodega Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) is a 100% volunteer fire agency. No positions are compensated. Volunteers are covered under workers compensation insurance in the event of an injury. There is a small stipend program for attending calls/trainings.