Apply to be a Volunteer Firefighter

Volunteer Firefighter Minimum Requirements:

1. Minimum age of 16 years (below 18 has work restrictions).
2. High School graduate or GED
3. Valid Oregon driver license upon appointment
4. Driving record which meets COFD requirements
5. Successful completion of background and reference check
6. No felony convictions
7. Certification by a licensed health care professional as able to perform the duties of a firefighter in accordance with NFPA 1582*
8. Ability to perform physical firefighting and rescue tasks in adverse conditions
9. Ability to work cooperatively with other firefighters and supervisors
10. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
11. Ability to keep calm and work effectively under stressful conditions
12. Ability to communicate using portable and/or mobile radio

*Volunteers who receive a conditional offer are sent to the Department’s physician for a physical exam. Expenses are paid by the Department.

How do I apply?

Fill out a regular County Fire Department application form, and turn it in to our office.

• Qualified applicants will be invited to take a physical ability test.
• Successful applicants will be given a personal interview.
• Those selected will undergo a background check.
• Those selected will undergo a medical exam (at the Department’s expense).
• Successful candidates will be provided with all training and equipment necessary to become a Basic Firefighter. Applications are accepted at any time; but if you are interested in participating in the fall New Volunteer Academy, it is best to have your application by the end of April.The number of vacancies at each fire station determines the number of volunteers accepted each year. There is typically a fall academy, which runs the week prior to the start of Oregon State University’s fall term. An additional academy is held in the spring if there is a sufficient number of openings and candidates.