The Volunteer Firefighter serves the community by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property to routine citizen requests for information or assistance. They perform within the scope of the policies and procedures of the Community Fire Company and the Forks Township Fire Department and they perform duties in the following general categories: fire suppression, rescue or emergency medical aid, hazardous material responses, training, building inspections and public education. The Volunteer FF normally works under the supervision of a department officer and is expected to function effectively as part of a highly trained team.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   To support the department in all activities including emergency response, training, fundraising, maintenance, and other special activities. Required to attend company and other organizational meetings.   The Volunteer FF are expected to respond from home or work to Department calls.

The Volunteer FF rides or drives an emergency vehicle in response to fire, rescue and emergency medical events, hazardous materials response/mitigation and routine requests for help or assistance.  In the performance of their duties, the Volunteer FF places equipment, lays and connects hose; operates high-capacity pumps and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, safety belts, lines and hooks and uses self-contained breathing apparatus.  The Volunteer FF may enter burning buildings as part of a fire suppression team, perform ventilation tasks above ground, carry heavy objects and equipment and rescue injured or trapped victims.

Individuals fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a Volunteer FF will at all-time present themselves in a courteous, professional and responsible manner.

The Volunteer Firefighter serves the Forks Township community by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property to routine citizen requests for information or assistance. They perform within the scope of the policies and procedures of the Community Fire Company of Forks Township (CFCFT) and Forks Township Fire Department and they perform duties in the following general categories: fire suppression, rescue or emergency medical aid, hazardous material responses, training, building inspections and public education. The Volunteer FF normally works under the supervision of a department officer and is expected to function effectively as part of a highly trained team.

 

TIME REQUIRED:  The Volunteer FF is required to attend regularly scheduled training (every Monday night) in order to maintain the high level of knowledge, skill and ability necessary to function safely and effectively as a firefighter in accordance with state law and Department standard operating guidelines.  One monthly business meeting (every 3rd Monday night of month); Also required to complete Firefighter I course (approximately 175 hours) during first year of membership.

 

QUALIFICATION AND SPECIAL SKILLS:

 

• Minimum 18 years of age (Juniors applicants my join at 14 years old with parental permission) 

• Sound physical conditions as evaluated by physician

• Pass interview by membership committee

 

ABILITY TO:

 

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions using the English language.

• Maintain physical conditioning necessary to perform efficiently in emergency situations; pass annual physical.

• Learn the geography of the area, location of important buildings and the street system.

• Participate in training drills; attend school and classes on firefighting, hydraulics, first aid, fire equipment, and apparatus, and other classes associated with recognized fire fighter standard

• Learn and apply technical information pertaining to fire fighting.

• Analyze and cope with a variety of emergency situations calmly but effectively and to react quickly to secure accurate and precise information on the location, extent, and nature of fires and emergency aid request

• Sustain heavy physical labor during periods of intense activity in emergency situations; to work at varying heights above grade.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public; to work effectively as a team member

• Service and operate all Department equipment and apparatus

• Perform necessary maintenance, testing and care of fire hoses, trucks, ladders, and auxiliary equipment and apparatus

• Prevent waste and damage of materials, supplies, and equipment

• Perform general maintenance and minor repairs to station facilities; perform assigned janitorial activities and minor maintenance.

• Perform community service activities.

• Maintain necessary records and reports, incident forms, operation logs, to accommodate needs of the department including computer data entry.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Work is performed primarily in the fire station, then on fire scenes, emergency medical scenes, mass casualty, and extra ordinary events as they occur.  Performing tasks under emergency conditions may require strenuous exertion.  The exposure to death, emotional stress, patients with contagious diseases and terminal illnesses can be expected.

 

MENTAL DEMANDS:  While performing the duties of this position, the Volunteer FF will be regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning;

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Physical hazard from fire, equipment, traffic, smoke inhalation, and falling objects at emergency scenes, and exposure to health risks may occur.  Performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as limited visibility, exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals and gases, extremes in temperatures, cramped surroundings, and contact with death, emotional stress, contagious diseases, and terminal illness.

 

SUPERVISION: Provided by line officers

 

BENEFITS:  In addition to great personal satisfaction about serving society we pay for all training expenses; Accidental Death and injury insurance; annual physical, personal assigned protective gear; uniforms; and Forks residents may receive up to $500.00 EIT tax credit.

 

EVALUATION:  At end of 6 months (Probation Period); once annually thereafter by the chief and fire company board.

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Forks Township firefighters pride themselves on excellence and serving the beautiful community of Forks Township. Established in 1945, FTFD has proudly served the residents of Forks Township. 

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FTFD has over 50 volunteers providing fire suppression, fire education, vehicle rescue, and search and rescue, and is always looking for new members.

Volunteer firefighters can start their careers with FTFD as junior members at the age of 14 and can join with no prior experience. You can advance from a junior member to an active adult member after becoming 18 years of age, and then become a life member after 15 years of service. We hold member training every Monday evening. FTFD volunteers are also involved in various community outreach programs.

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Active Membership: Any person 18 years of age or older wishing to be considered for full membership status.

Applicants 18 years and older will also need to complete a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check as well as Pennsylvania Child Abuse background check. The membership committee will discuss this process with new applicants.

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Junior Member: Any member from age 14 up to active age. Applicants in this age group must complete a parental consent form as well as have current working papers. Junior Members do not pay an application fee.

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New member applications are reviewed by our membership committee. Applicants who meet the requirements of the company will be brought to the general body for membership vote the third Monday of each month.

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You must be present at the General Body meeting to be voted on for membership.

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IF ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE FORKS TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE STOP BY THE FIREHOUSE ON A MONDAY NIGHT AT 6:30 PM.

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