Recruiting Announcement

Is being a Volunteer Firefighter in your future?   Become a member of the Red Oak Volunteer Fire Department!

Please take the time to read through all of the following information regarding the process, program timeline, and expected commitment level. There is a list of FAQ's as well as an explanation as to why we are a volunteer/paid fire department.

For additional information please do not hesitate to stop by the fire station or contact us at ccsingleton73@yahoo.com

Frequently Asked Questions

When is practice?    In-house training is the fourth (4th) Tuesday night each month from 7:00pm - 10:00pm at the fire station.

 

What is the Red Oak Fire Department's call volume?   The department responds to 150+ calls annually.  

How do you know when there is a call?   Members are dispatched to emergencies via radio pagers, and are expected to respond to the fire if they are available.

Why become a volunteer?   There are many reasons to consider joining the Red Oak Fire Department.  For starters, it's a great way of contributing to your local community. You can learn new skills, from firefighting and first aid to communications and technical rescue. Plus, you'll make new friends that you're likely to have for the rest of your life.

Who can become a volunteer?   Just like the communities they come from, the Red Oak Fire Department is made up of people from all walks of life. There are men and women from all types of cultural backgrounds, age groups and professions. As long as you're over the age of 18, you can apply to join as a volunteer. For people under the age of 18, we offer a junior program, giving you a great introduction to life as a member of the Red Oak Fire Department.

I'm not sure I have the time...   The time commitment is significant.  Recruit members practice a minimum of (3) three hours each month.  Additional weekend and/or weekday training is offered on a regular basis.

How do I become a member?   The process is easy. First, download an application form at the bottom of this page, or pick one up at the fire station.

What's the process?   Once you've filled out and submitted an application form along with a criminal record check and a driver's abstract, you'll be invited to a quick interview. Once those checks are complete, you'll get a letter or phone call telling you to come to the next business meeting which is held the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30pm - 9:30pm at the fire station.  If you're accepted, you will become a probationary member for 12 months.

What kind of training is there?   If you're accepted as a volunteer, you'll have to undertake the Red Oak Fire Department's recruit training program. This program runs from 10 to 12 months and will teach you about firefighting, how we work safely, the equipment we use and how we deal with the threat of fire. Later, you can train in Advanced Fire Fighting, Technical Rescue, First Aid or leading our crews in the field.

What if I want to know more?   Talk to members of the department or stop by the station. You can also contact us for more information.

What are the phyiscal requirements?   Firefighting can be strenuous and requires good physical fitness. Members need to be able to raise ground ladders, hoist equipment, climb stair wells, drag water filled hose lines, operate equipment and perform a miryad of other tasks, all while under the stress of an emergency situation and wearing up to 60 lbs (27 Kgs) of personal protective equipment.  However, there are other jobs such as directing traffic, filling out reports ect. which are not as physically demanding.

What age do I have to be in order to become a Firefighter?   Regular members range in age from 18 to 70 years of age. The department also offers a junior member program for persons between 16 and 18 years of age.

New Member Application

For additional information please do not hesitate to stop by the fire station or contact us.

Benefits

• Great training

• Accidental & Term Life Insurance Policies

• Strong sense of accomplishment

• Member of the team (family)

• Helping/giving back to your community

• Retirement Plan

Commitment

General:

• Attend 70% of monthly practices. Practices are held every (4th) Tuesday evening, between 7:00pm to 10:00pm.

• Respond to emergencies during the day, evening and night, if available.

• Participate in scheduled equipment maintenance.

• Complete required training in a timely manner.

• Promote public safety.

• Work as a member of the team, for the benefit of the public, the department and the fire service.

• At all times act in a manner that will reflect positively on the Red Oak Volunteer Fire Department.

Recruit Firefighters:

• Attend as close to 100% of monthly practices as possible during the first 12 months.

• Attend some two-day weekend training session for the first 10 to 12 months.

• Be prepared to learn.