Help :/ Want to become a volunteer

[devilpup2010]

I want to become a volunteer firefighter, but I have absolutely no experience. I plan to enlist into the Marine Corps in a couple of years, but in the meantime I would like to do something to benefit myself and my community. I've always been interested in becoming a volunteer, but I've never delved into the process. I am eighteen and just graduated high school (class of 2010). Where should I start? Again, I have ZERO experience.

[tree_house]

Go down to your local fire volunteer fire station. Talk with some of the guys down there to get an idea of what your getting yourself into and depending on the department you may have to fill out a application for membership.

As for firefighting experience, you will more than likely have to go through some schooling for so many hours depending on your state. If you show that you are willing to learn most people on the department will more than likely go out there way to show you the ropes and how things are done.

[devilpup2010]

Go down to your local fire volunteer fire station. Talk with some of the guys down there to get an idea of what your getting yourself into and depending on the department you may have to fill out a application for membership.

As for firefighting experience, you will more than likely have to go through some schooling for so many hours depending on your state. If you show that you are willing to learn most people on the department will more than likely go out there way to show you the ropes and how things are done.

What sort of physical shape will you need to be in to become a firefighter?

[firefightinirish217]

What sort of physical shape will you need to be in to become a firefighter?

Well, I just had to run a PAT (Physical Agility Test) that was just a tough, if not tougher, than the Marine Corps' CFT (Combat Fitness Test) I have to run every year. Depends on the department you join and what kind of standards they have. The department I just joined has pretty high standards, therefore fitness is a high priority.

[CaptOldTimer]

You have graduated high school and now 18.

Enlist now in the USMC. Don't wait. Go now get that great experience and the veterans points and come back and join a department then.

[devilpup2010]

You have graduated high school and now 18.

Enlist now in the USMC. Don't wait. Go now get that great experience and the veterans points and come back and join a department then.

I can't enlist right now, because I still have braces. Otherwise, I'd be at Parris Island right now.

[hwoods]

If I may ask, what State are you in?...... That could make a difference.....

[devilpup2010]

If I may ask, what State are you in?...... That could make a difference.....

North Carolina

[lvfd2167]

what part of north carolina?

I could probably point you in the right direction.

[devilpup2010]

what part of north carolina?

I could probably point you in the right direction.

Rutherford (between Charlotte and Asheville).

[voyager9]

I can't enlist right now, because I still have braces. Otherwise, I'd be at Parris Island right now.

You've gotta have pretty teeth to be a Marine? Did that rule come about with the repeal of DODT?

[hwoods]

North Carolina

Thank you. I'd certainly like to point you in the right direction, but my Contacts in North Carolina are pretty few and far between......... Why I asked in the First Place is that different states have different ways of doing things like training requirements, background checks, etc.... Good Luck, and keep us posted on your progress......

[devilpup2010]

You've gotta have pretty teeth to be a Marine? Did that rule come about with the repeal of DODT?

You can't braces in boot camp.

To the rest, thanks for the information!

[firefightinirish217]

Rutherford (between Charlotte and Asheville).

Talk to BULL321, maybe he can point you in the right direction, he's in that area.

[firefightinirish217]

You've gotta have pretty teeth to be a Marine? Did that rule come about with the repeal of DODT?

No, but he does have to have a certain dental classification to ship to bootcamp. I had to have my wisdom teeth taken out before I could even deploy, had to be a class 1.

[JoeMZ191]

I definitely suggest getting on now. My volunteer department in Western NY put me on military leave when I enlisted. I was still an active member when I came home on leave. They did drop me after 7 years and I took a job in Michigan.

Best of luck to you.

[BULL321]

I want to become a volunteer firefighter, but I have absolutely no experience. I plan to enlist into the Marine Corps in a couple of years, but in the meantime I would like to do something to benefit myself and my community. I've always been interested in becoming a volunteer, but I've never delved into the process. I am eighteen and just graduated high school (class of 2010). Where should I start? Again, I have ZERO experience.

Hello Little Brother

My advice to you is to find out which fire district you live in, and then go down to the Station and meet the guys. Hang out a little and get to know the members. Ask if it would be ok to come to a few meetings to see if its something you are truly interested in. If it is and you have time ask for an application and go from there.

Good Luck.

[d_holder86]

If you live in rutherford college then your best bet would probably be lovelady fire dept which is located on the main drag.