Join The WFD
Firefighters:
Firefighters are required to maintain a minimum level of training to reduce the possibility of injury to themselves, their crew mates and those they serve. They are required to participate in a minimum of 18 hours of training and 24 hours of in-service per quarter (including alarm, committee, and training hours in the fire house) and assist the company with task that do not involve emergency incidents. Firefighters are assigned to a station and report directly to their assigned company officer and are expected to assist that station with weekly assignments. Assignments may include but not limited to: vehicle maintenance, fire apparatus and equipment check, engine house clean up and building maintenance.
Education, Certification, and Experience Required
Must be a minimum 18 years of age.
Must reside in Washington Fire Department's response area or an adjoining fire district.
Should be in good physical condition to perform the strenuous activities of firefighting
Must pass a required physical and drug screening
Must have a high school diploma or GED
Must maintain a valid driver's license
Must be certified by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety as Firefighter I and II, or complete certification within two years of joining the Department (Firefighter only Requirement)
Administration:
Administration members report directly to the Fire Chief or his designate and assist the Fire Company through a support role by serving on committees and completing administrative tasks. Administration members will be assigned to a station to help with Fire Company assignments as determined by the Chief or his designate. Assignments may include but not limited to: IT support, fire apparatus maintenance, building maintenance, finance, etc. Administration members are not required to meet training requirements or respond to incidents. Administration members are required to meet the same qualifications as a firefighter with the exception firefighter I and II certifications.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
Directly reports to the Fire Chief or his designate for his/her administrative assignment.
Completes his/her assigned task in a timely manner, keeping records of the time committed to the project. This may be an ongoing assignment.
Washington Volunteer Fire Company
Application Procedures
Applications for membership in the Washington Volunteer Fire Company may be obtained at any time from the Administrative Secretary during normal business hours Monday thru Friday 8:00 - 4:30, or by applying online at washmofire.org
Complete the application and return it to the Administration Secretary or Deputy Chief of Administration.
Upon acceptance of the application, the Fire Company Board will review the application and forward it to the Deputy Chief of Administration for an oral interview with the applicant.
The Deputy Chief of Administration will give the application to the Administration Secretary, who will submit a request for background check with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Upon Receipt of the background Check, the application will be given to the Chief for the first reading at the next regularly scheduled Company Meeting. After the first reading, the application will be turned over to the Deputy Chief, for investigation by the Investigating Committee.
The Investigation Committee will review and verify the information on the application and make a recommendation to the Fire Company to reject or accept the applicant as an Associate Member.
The application and recommendation will be given to the Chief for a second reading at the next regularly scheduled Company Meeting at which time the Fire Company will vote to accept or reject the applicant as an Associate Member..
The accepted Associate Member will be assigned to a Station and mentor by the Fire Chief. The Station Captain and mentor will help the applicant receive Fire Company issued equipment, obtain a new member packet and binder, and start the orientation process.
FAQs
Do I need to have firefighting experience or knowledge?
No, but you will be required to obtain Missouri Firefighter I & II certification supplied by the department within two years of your start date.
Who pays for my firefighter training?
The Fire Department will pay for your FFI and II certifications and other approved fire service training if requested and approved.
Do I need my own gear?
No, the Fire Department will provide you with a turnout coat, turnout pants, boots, helmet, gloves, protective hood, pager, T-shirt, Class B uniform, and Class A uniform.
Is there insurance in case of injuries?
Yes, the Fire Company members are covered by the City of Washington for Worker’s Compensation along with a small life insurance policy.
How many hours a month are required?
At a minimum, 6 hours of training and 8 hours of in service (alarms, committee work, and training hours if in the fire house) per month. They are tracked quarterly. Most members do far more than the minimum required hours.
Can I just volunteer for special projects?
Yes, you can apply as an administrative member with a skill set that the Fire Company is needing. Your application would be considered following the procedures outlined on this webpage.