The personal rewards of being a Volunteer Firefighter are indescribable. Imagine the sense of pride after extinguishing a building fire or extricating a person trapped in a vehicle after a crash or teaching a 2^nd grade student to stop, drop and roll! Not everyone can do it. In addition to a desire to help people, you also need courage, dedication, assertiveness, and a willingness to face new challenges. Often, our members are called on to perform some of the most difficult tasks with no notice and under the most extreme conditions.  *Click here* for an inside look at the strenuous activities surrounding being a volunteer firefighter.  The individuals in this video are your South Windsor Volunteer Firefighters.

 Men and women age 14 and older who have the desire to participate in Fire Department activities are eligible for to apply membership. 

Your level of membership class will be determined by certifications obtained through various training programs, age and desire.

Those persons who do not have the desire to participate in emergency activities, or who cannot meet the physical requirements for active membership are encouraged to enter the service as support members. These support members are responsible for traffic control, providing refreshments at emergency scenes, Fire and Life Safety Education and information technology.  These support functions are also important aspects of a functioning volunteer fire department.

Making a commitment to serve as a volunteer firefighter is a serious decision and involves a profound commitment. Your decision to join us should not be made quickly or taken lightly. Some of the requirements are:

• Must be a resident of South Windsor
• Age 18 or older (14-17 year olds can be a Fire Explorer)
• Valid motor vehicle operator license
• Pass a physical examination (Provided by the SWFD)
• Pass a drug screen
• Pass a background check
• Response to a minimum of 20 incidents per month
• Tuesday night training sessions
• Annual mandatory training sessions

Aside from a sense of accomplishment, knowing you have helped someone on perhaps their worst day and potentially overcoming your own fears or hesitations will bring you a sense of pride.  Some benefits of being a volunteer firefighter include:

• All training is paid for the by the SWFD
• State of the art apparatus and equipment
• A stipend based on activity level
• A pension plan
• A property tax abatement
• A second family
• Friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime

*Click here* to watch this video to learn why firefighters from around the country have chosen to become volunteers.

Send your contact information to Recruitment@southwindsorfire.org

 You will be contacted by a South Windsor Fire Department recruiter and begin your journey to becoming South Windsor’s newest volunteer!