- What If I don't want to get injured?
- What qualifications are required?
- What if I have never been in the fire service?
- What age do you have to be to become a member?
- How do I become certified as a firefighter?
- What are the benefits of becoming a volunteer firefighter?
- Can I drive a fire truck?
- What if I have a disability?
What if I don't want to get injured?
Firefighters don't go to an incident and increase the number of casualties. We are trained at every stage to ensure our own safety, and that of other firefighters. The entire Department operates with sophisticated systems.; The accountability system, which ensures knowing the location, and time since contacted, of everybody on scene. Another is the two-in two-out rule which stipulates that no firefighter is ever unaccompanied or without a partner. Firefighters are issued with protective gear which is routinely inspected and replaced, along with breathing apparatus for use in smoke-filled environments. Each firefighter is also given a very thorough annual physical exam to ensure that there they are able to meet all the physical standards set for firefighters.
What qualifications are required?
To assist at an incident, the minimum required qualification is Firefighter I, which is a combined written and practical exam administered by the State of Connecticut which is nationally recognized. The exam has a written and practical paper and requires completion of a few months course. All instruction, exam fees, books, protective gear, and most other essentials required to pass the exam, are provided by the town. Members of the company are always ready to help each other to master firefighting skills, and to explain concepts that a student might need help with.
What if I have never been in the fire service?
No experience is needed. Many members have family links to the fire service but many more do not, and have had their first contact with the fire service from volunteering. Some members have also been fire explorers.
What age do you have to be to become a member?
To serve as a firefighter in the department, one must be at least 18 years old. For those under 18, we have a fire service explorer post where youth assist at firehouse events and learn what it takes to become a volunteer firefighter.
How do I become certified as a firefighter?
To serve as a firefighter in the department, you must pass a physical and a written exam which is a nationally recognized professional qualification. The Town of Greenwich provides the material needed.
What are the benefits of becoming a volunteer firefighter?
Benefits Include:
- Subsodized Medical Coverage
- Gym Membership
- Uniforms
- Oppourtinity for advancement
- Paid firewatch for both town and private functions
- Reimbursement of $5.00 per emergency response for fuel usage and the "wear and tear" to your personal vehicle
- Property tax savings up to $1,000
Can I drive a firetruck?
To be able to be recognized to drive fire apparatus, you must go through and pass an EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course) for every piece of apparatus that you want to drive.
What if I have a disability ?
The Company complies with the American Disabilities Act, and is proud to observe it. As long as the disability does not mean that one could not perform the duties of a firefighter, then membership is open. Even if one might have difficulty performing the dutiers of a firefighter, one is still eligible to join if the disability can be minimized with "reasonable accommodations". For example, one of the Company members has diabetes and can suffer from reactions, but is still an active and participating member, with other members making sure he has taken proper health and safety precautions.
Townwide Drills - Wednesday Feb. 17 & Thursday February 25th. (SOPs and Blue tag instruction OR Glenville School Modulars)
Sound Beach Drill - Wednesday Feb. 24 -- Squad 4 leaves Glenville at 18:00hrs
Drivers Candidate Meeting - Saturday Feb. 27th 8-10am at American Legion Hall
