Santa Clara County Fire Department

Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter

Eplett photo
photograph: Robert A. Eplett/OES CA, used with permission

You Are What You Do When It Counts

The Santa Clara County Fire Department is seeking men and women interested in serving as Volunteers for their communities. Positions are available for both emergency response and non-emergency support.

The Santa Clara County Fire Department Volunteer Division supports the emergency and non-emergency needs of the Department. Therefore, the Volunteer Division is comprised of two levels; one for emergency response and the other for non-emergency support and administrative details. The selection of volunteers is based on the needs of the Department. Emphasis is generally placed on geographic location as volunteers typically respond from home or workplace in their private vehicles. Safe driving records are required of all applicants.

Newly admitted emergency response volunteers are required to attend a sixty (60) hour academy taught on six (6) successive Saturdays and Wednesday nights. The Academy teaches basic firefighting skills with an emphasis on safe practices in an emergency environment. Successful completion of the Academy is mandatory. After the Academy, volunteers are required to complete a skills checklist at an assigned Department station. The checklist process provides the volunteer an opportunity to apply the skills learned in the Academy. The checklist must be completed prior to responding to emergency calls. Volunteers are also encouraged to participate in station training activities, Public Education events and other Department sponsored activities.

Please be aware that in order to be eligible for a volunteer firefighter position, you must live within a pre-determined response distance of the Santa Clara County Fire Department. You may contact the administrative headquarters Training Division for specific information regarding the set geographical boundaries. Volunteer firefighter applications are accepted only at the time of recruitment.

Downloadable/printable information brochures about Fire Service employment in general and specifically with County Fire are available on the form Forms page.

An annual skills checklist must also be completed during the year for a volunteer to remain active.

Firefighting safety equipment and a uniform is provided and maintained by the Department. Volunteers are also provided a per-call stipend.

Volunteers who desire to complete Firefighter One certification will be supported by the Department's Training Division. Non-emergency volunteers may assist command and support staff during emergencies or support the daily activities of Division Managers.

Minimum requirements include:

  1. High school diploma or equivalent.

  2. California driver license.

  3. 18 years of age or older.

  4. Legal right to work in the United States.

  5. Reside within set geographical boundaries.

Required application procedure:

For more specific information about volunteer requirements and training, see the Training section.

The Physical Ability Test

The Physical Ability test consists of a timed course in which the applicant must perform a series of exercises, going from test station to test station, all while wearing a standard airpack weighing approximately 20lbs (9kg). The course must be completed within a defined time period. There are approximately 10 test stations, and the entire test takes approximately 7-15 minutes to complete. Tests can (but do not necessarily) include:

This is an extremely strenuous test for most people. It is strongly recommended that the applicant be in top physical condition, especially upper body strength and aerobic conditioning.

The Volunteer Division Challenge Coin

Volunteer Challenge Coin front Volunteer Challenge Coin obverse

The "Challenge coin" is a military tradition dating back to World War One. This silver coin, given out by the Volunteer Division to individual deemed worthy of it, identifies it's owner with a symbol of pride, respect, and fellowship. The slogan "Ar Tinneal" is Irish, meaning "At the Ready".

Other Volunteer Opportunities

For those interested in volunteering, but who feel that they can't or don't want to meet the requirements of being a volunteer firefighter, there are also a number of other Emergency Services organizations that can use volunteer assistance. A number of communities have C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) programs designed to prepare and train civilians for emergencies such as earthquakes, fires, medical problems and other natural disasters, and are open to persons of all ages. There are also programs for those who wish to assist with, or learn about, law enforcement, medical assistance, and general community service.

Disaster Preparedness Education van Los Gatos Technical Rescue Unit

Left: Disaster Preparedness Education van. Right: Los Gatos' Technical Rescue Unit. Both photos taken at the C.E.R.T. Exercise at De Anza College, 16 August 2003.

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