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The list of useful skills is nearly endless, but examples include:
Community members do not respond on EMS or fire calls. They support the fire department by contributing their skills and talents.
A fire department is a complex organization that needs people with a huge range of talents and skills - skills that have nothing to do with putting out fires or providing medical care. If you would like to share your talents with us, we'll be grateful for your help.
To be eligible for any form of non-career membership – volunteer, reserve, or community – you must be a legal resident of the United States, at least 18 years old.
1. Visit the station and pick up an application, or attend a monthly member meeting and request an application at that time. Member meetings are held at the station the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm.
2. You must attend at least one membership meeting before submitting an application, but you may submit the application on the night of your first meeting.
3. Fill out the application, and turn it in with the following documents:
4. The Department will review the application and supporting documents, and perform a criminal background check. If these are satisfactory, the new member coordinators will contact you to arrange an interview.
If you pass the interview and attend a second membership meeting, you will be extended an offer to become a Black Forest Fire/Rescue community member trainee. All trainees will be assigned to an officer who will supervise their training and transition into the Department.
The Academy will meet on four consecutive Mondays from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. During this basic training, you will learn the procedures and equipment used at Black Forest Fire/Rescue. Both community members and line members (emergency responders) are required to complete this training.
When you have completed the New Member Training Academy, your officer will decide whether to promote you to full community membership.
A newly appointed community member will be issued a community member’s shirt, a key card, and a photo ID.
A community member is on probation for a period of six months from the date of appointment. This period is an opportunity for you to demonstrate and apply your knowledge, skills, and teamwork.
During the probationary period, you must also complete the Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program, Basic First Aid, and CPR with AED. If this training is not available during the six-month probationary period, your probationary period may be extended until this training has been completed.
If you do not satisfactorily complete your probationary period, you must return your key card and other issued items.
When you join the Department as a new community member, your officer will meet with you to select duties that both interest you and benefit the Department. You will have a defined role that specifies your ongoing duties with the Department.
Community members are expected to give a minimum of 12 hours of service per calendar quarter.
Your officer will supervise your activities as a community member, and represent your interests to the chain of command.
A community member may only respond to an emergency scene if ordered there by the Incident Commander, or if the community member’s job description allows it.
If you have additional questions, or would just like to talk with us, you're welcome to visit the station during the day. If we're not out on a call, we'll be happy to show you around the station, answer your questions, and give you a membership application.