Video credit: FF Nick Bartos

Recruitment

FAQs

About Joining

 

Thank you for your interest in the Town of Vernon Fire Department. With 150+ members strong, we are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, handling over 1,000 fire and 4,000 emergency medical calls annually. The Vernon Volunteer Emergency Services team derives its strength from a diverse group of dedicated men and women. We are volunteers, people just like you who want to give something back to our community, who want to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. No experience is necessary, just a desire to help and a willingness to learn.

 

The Town of Vernon Fire Department provides fire, medical and emergency related services in the Town of Vernon. We are one of the largest all volunteer departments in the State of Connecticut, with members ranging in age from 14 to 70. We operate six engines, two tower ladders, two heavy rescues, three ambulances and multiple specialty trucks out of six stations.

 

You are taking the first step in the membership process by completing an application. If you are interested, please follow the instructions on the cover page of the application packet closely .  You'll need a PDF Reader to view and print the application. Click here to download Adobe Reader.

 

When fully completed, your application can be mailed or dropped off to: Town of Vernon Fire Department, Attn: Administrative Assistant Chief, 280 West Rd, Vernon, CT 06066.  Once received, a member of the Recruitment Committee will call or email you to confirm that your application has been received, give you some general information regarding when you can expect to begin with the department, starting with your introductory meeting with the Fire Chief and answer any questions you might have. Typically, our introductory training programs are held twice a year (spring and fall)."

 

Also, click the tab above for Frequently Asked Questions that might assist you in some questions you might have. Again, thank you for your interest in joining the Town of Vernon Fire Department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Application

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • How old do I need to be in order to join?

Our membership ranges in age from 14 to 70. Junior members (age 14 to 17) are limited in what they can do on the emergency scene (i.e. they can not perform interior structural firefighting), however they provide support and get plenty of training. Several current department members, officers and an assistant chief started in the department as junior members.

 

  • What type of experience do I need in order to join?

No experience is necessary, just a desire to help and a willingness to learn.

 

  • Are there any entry tests I have to take to join?

There are no verbal or written exams necessary to join. Each new applicant is required to have a physical and police background check completed as part of the membership process.

 

  • Is training provided?

Yes, all new applicants go through a department training program. This training covers an overview of the department, rules and regulations, safety, and other introductory information. New members coming into the fire service will then continue with specific firefighting training.

 

  • How long is the training program?

The introductory training is 6 Wednesday nights. Basic Firefighting training is typically an additional 12+ nights.  Additional training that you can take varies for time requirements (for example: Firefighter I certification 120 hours, EMT certification, 120 hours)

 

  • Does my training stop once I finish the Introductory Training Program?

No, you will drill with your company and the department weekly. There are classes offered outside the department (days, nights, and weekends) that you can take (most of which the Department will reimburse you for).

 

  • What time requirements do I have to commit to?

Members of the fire department meet once a week (Monday’s from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.). These weekly meetings allow for training, equipment maintenance and department meetings. It is understood that members can not make every weekly meeting or every emergency call. By having a diverse base of volunteers, sufficient around the clock coverage can be provided.

 

  • What if I can’t get time off from work to go to calls?

If you work in or around town, some employers may be receptive to letting you go to calls during your working schedule, however these types of arraignments are strictly set up by the individual and his/her employer. The Town of Vernon Fire Department can not and does not require an employer to allow employees to leave for emergency calls. Most department members can only respond to calls outside of their normal work hours. As we have (and are looking for) members that work different shifts, we maintain coverage around the clock.

 

  • How often do emergency calls come in?

Emergency calls are not “scheduled” like weekly drills and meetings. The amount of calls varies by day, week and month. It is understood that members can not make every call it is hoped that they can make a good percentage of the calls for the period that they are most available for.

 

(R)2015-2020 Town of Vernon Fire Department

http://vernonfire.com