Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Do you want to give back to your community? Do you want to learn skills to enhance your life and the world around you? Bainbridge Island Fire Department is looking for committed and driven individuals to become volunteers to work alongside our career members on medical and fire calls. In our department, there are no volunteer-only rigs or career-only rigs. We wear the same uniform, ride the same rigs and work the same calls. If you have what it takes, we look forward to hearing from you!
Application and Assessment Process
Applications are accepted year-round and should be returned to the Volunteer Program Coordinator before the closing date listed below. To be eligible to become a Recruit Volunteer Firefighter, an applicant must meet the following entry qualifications:
- At least 18 years old at time of application
- High school diploma (or equivalent) at the time of application
- Valid Washington State driver's license
- Understand the requirment to receive or provide documentation of certain immunizations
To be considered, you must submit a complete application and proof of successful completion of a candidate physical abilities test (CPAT.) BIFD does not conduct this test. Third-party options such as Public Safety Testing or National Testing Network are available. We may be able to supply you with a voucher to cover the cost of your CPAT.
Candidates who submit an application and proof of a successful CPAT dated within the previous 12 months will be interviewed. See below for the next interview date. Those who move on in the process must complete a thorough background check, a complete medical examination, and a suitability profile assessment.
Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Training
Once accepted into the volunteer firefighter program, recruits will be enrolled in a 220-hour Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification course at the expense of the Department. After successfully completing EMT training, recruits will continue their training by participating in EMS calls and becoming familiar with the fire apparatus and equipment in preparation for the start of their FFI recruit academy. Completion of recruit fire academy results in an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Firefighter I certification.
Volunteer Firefighter Expectations
Volunteers are expected to attend 100% of their EMT class and fire training academy. Volunteers in their first year are also expected to perform 48 hours of extended standby per month.
*Applications and proof of CPAT for the next group of recruits must be submitted by August 15, 2024, at noon. Please send your completed application to . Interviews are tentatively scheduled for September 18, 2024.
