EMERGENCY DIAL 911

Why volunteer?  Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services rely on volunteers to provide emergency response on a professional level in our community.  The department's composition consists of a full-time chief with the majority of rescue staffing consisting of highly trained paid staff supplemented with volunteers.

 

What is the role of a volunteer?  Most volunteers serve as either firefighters or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).  In addition, a range of people and skills are needed in the following capacities: firefighters, EMTs, driving vehicles, CPR instructors, or providing administrative support within the departments.

 

Where do volunteers come from? Most of our volunteers are residents of Charlotte, some former residents, and some members of nearby communities.

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What skills or experience do I need to become a volunteer?  No specific skills or experience are required to apply to become a volunteer. Both the rescue squad and the fire department will work with volunteers to help them obtain the training necessary for them to assume the role of  professional responsibilities with the services.  All volunteers must submit to a background check.

 

Are volunteers compensated?  CVFRS offers a modest incentive program paid annually to volunteers based on their fulfillment of duties and training expectations and their continued contributions to the organization.

 

Does it cost anything to become a volunteer? The contribution of your time is highly valued and you are not expected to pay for this effort. Protective clothing, uniforms and equipment is provided by the departments, as well as ongoing training.

 

Are there any age limits to becoming a volunteer? While there are no age restrictions, volunteers for the fire department may join the cadet program as young as 14 years old. After attaining the age of 18, volunteers in good standing may become full members of the Fire Department.  Volunteers for the Rescue Squad must be 18 to gain EMT certification. Drivers must be 21 with a clean driving record.

 

Are there any size or strength requirements?  Although the work can be physically demanding, there are no set size and strength requirements.  However, all volunteers will be required to submit to a physical exam with our medical partner clearing them for the types of duties they will be performing, read and acknowledge receipt of the Employee Handbook, and complete an online Respectful Workplace course. 

 

What is the commitment to become a volunteer? The details of the expected commitment are outlines in SOG and vary by the service (fire or rescue) and roles you plan to perform.  There is a six month probationary period before volunteers are considered for full membership.

 

Fire volunteer members are expected to regularly attend meetings and training's which are generally held weekly on Tuesday evening. Additional technical trainings are optional but highly encouraged.  Once adequately trained, fire volunteers will be issued a pager and be expected to respond whenever possible to fire calls.

 

Rescue volunteers are expected to attend monthly training sessions which are held on the first Thursday of each month. The general rescue squad commitment is two 12-hour shifts per month.