How to
Become a Volunteer at Eastside Fire & Rescue
MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS: Anyone who meets the
following qualifications is encouraged to apply.
AGE: You must be 18 years old at the
time you test to become a Volunteer.
AVAILABILITY: You are expected to be
available to respond from your place of residence to your assigned station
within a reasonable time. Preference is given to persons residing in the
service area and those available during weekday hours. Exceptions are granted,
on occasion, to those who live and work outside the boundaries of Eastside Fire
& Rescue.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Prior medical or fire fighting experience is not
necessary. You must be able to read and write the English language fluently
enough to perform the duties of a firefighter and Washington State First
Responder.
DRIVING RECORD: Applicants must have a valid
APPLICATION
PROCESS: Applications
can be obtained by calling Eastside Fire & Rescue at (425) 392-3433 or
by sending email to volunteerprogram@ESF-R.ORG.
After you complete the application, attach a two (2) legible photocopy of
your valid Washington State Driver's License, a copy of your social security
card and your driving abstract. Submit your application to any 24-hour staffed
King County Eastside Fire & Rescue Fire Station, or submit it by mail
to our headquarters at:
Eastside Fire &
Rescue
ATTN: Volunteer Coordinator
Before the Candidate Testing, the Department will review your application to
verify minimum qualifications. You are required to obtain from the Washington
State Department of Licensing a copy of your driving record for our review.
Your application must include this driving abstract.
If your driving record meets our requirements your application will be held on
file and you will be notified before the Candidate Testing process. Anyone who
withholds or gives false application information, fails any portion of the
entry test, fails the drug screen test, or has an unfavorable driving record
will not be accepted.
Driving
Abstract & Social Security Card
You are required to obtain a copy of your driving
record (five-year employment/commercial) abstract. This should be submitted
with your application, but will be accepted up to the date of Volunteer testing. Eastside Fire & Rescue will consider
your driving records and insurability when making decisions upon your
application. Driving records may be requested by mail or obtained at any
Department of Licensing branch office in
Department
of Licensing Branch Offices
525 156th SE 18132 Bothell Way NE
Bellevue 425-649-4281 Bothell 425-483-1739
10639 NE 68th 1535 North Bend Blvd N
Kirkland 425-827-0317 North Bend 425-888-4040
If you have recently moved and do not have a
five-year driving record in Washington State, you will need to contact the
state where you previously resided to obtain a copy of your driving record
there.
You may obtain a new social security by contacting:
Social Security Office
505 106
1-800-772-1213
CANDIDATE TESTING: Our Candidate
Testing consists of three parts followed by a medical and psychological
evaluation.
WRITTEN TEST: A 25-question test is
administered to verify the candidate's ability to read and comprehend the
material. This multiple-choice test contains non-job related questions. You
need to pass with a minimum score of 18 correct answers.
PHYSICAL STRENGTH TEST: There are
several events that will test your endurance, agility, strength, and
coordination. Specific screening for Volunteer firefighter also includes a test
for claustrophobia and acrophobia (must be able to function in confined spaces
and function without a fear of heights).
ORAL INTERVIEW: A panel of Volunteers
will take this opportunity to become acquainted with you.
MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL: Upon
successful completion of the Candidate Testing, you will be required to make an
appointment with the Department's Physician who will administer the State
mandated medical exam. A psychological evaluation will be scheduled for you.
Both these exams are at no cost to you.
FIRST RESPONDER COURSE: This course
is a State requirement similar to advanced first aid training and is the
Department's minimum certification level. This 60 hour course is required for
both Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Responders.
FIRE FUNDAMENTALS COURSE: This course
is only required for the Volunteer Firefighters. The approximately 100-hours of
instruction is based on the National Fire Protection Association and
Following the Academy, you will be issued a pager and will be assigned to the
station nearest to your residence to begin responding to emergency calls. Your
immediate supervisor will give you an introduction to the station and
equipment, and you will be required to complete an orientation process. The
length of the probationary period depends entirely upon your ability to
demonstrate your skills to your immediate supervisor.