Volunteer Opportunities

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The Mountainside Fire Department is now accepting applications for volunteer positions. We are looking for interested people who wish to serve our community, meet new friends, and experience an exciting new life! No previous experience or training is necessary! We provide FREE training and experience for all of our members. We are looking for people who want to help others by becoming Firefighters. 

     Many people do not realize that our volunteers are highly trained in firefighting, basic emergency medicine services (EMS), Haz-Mat, and other rescue services. Our members donate time from their busy lives to protect the lives and property of those that live and work in the Borough of Mountainside. 

 

Question: What are the requirements to join your department?
Answer: To apply for membership, we ask that you not be a member of another volunteer fire department, due to conflicts of interest. All requirements for membership are contained on the application form. You must be 18 years of age or older, have a clean criminal history, and to drive our apparatus you must have a good driving record. Members are required to live within three miles of the border of Mountainside. Contact our Membership Committee if you have questions about our requirements for membership.

Question: How do I apply for membership, and how does it work?
Answer: When you apply for membership with our department, you will have to complete a Member Application Form and return it to the department's Membership Committee. Once you submit the application, you will be required to attend a company meeting, department drill, and a department work period all taking place on Monday nights from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. During this three week period your application will be reviewed and a background check will be conduct by the Mountainside Police Department. You will also be required to pass a medical evaluation by the Borough doctor. Pending completion of the previous items, the Borough Council will vote you in as a Probationary Member of the Mountainside Fire Department. The entire process typically takes two months to complete. 

Question: What do I have to learn to be a member, and how much will it cost?
Answer: Once you are voted in to Probationary status, you will be required to become certified in both Firefighter I & II as per the State Of New Jersey. Classes are held at the Union County Fire Academy. All training is FREE! Your probationary status will last for a period of no less than 12 months, and may be extended until your certification course is finished. Also as a Probationary Member, you will be required to complete four small courses: CPR for Healthcare Providers, Infection Control, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and Confined Space Awareness. Once the above courses are completed and you are certified as a firefighter by the State of New Jersey, you can be voted in to a Regular Member status.

Question: When are the classes I need, and what course subjects are there?
Answer: Most courses you will take are offered at night, two nights a week, with an occasional weekend class. These course schedules are designed to fit the schedules of those members with regular day jobs. Throughout your time as a volunteer at the Mountainside Fire Department, all training courses are free. There are many courses offered, both at the County's Training Academy in Linden, NJ or offered through private fire & rescue training companies, and can take you on many different paths in the volunteer fire & rescue service.

Question: How many nights does the typical member have to serve?
Answer: As a member of the Mountainside Fire Department, you are required to attend the various meetings and drills on Monday nights, as well as 20% of the calls throughout the year. Being a volunteer firefighter, you are issued a pager and are on call whenever possible.

Question: How do I find out more information on becoming a volunteer?
Answer: For more information on the benefits and requirements of membership with the Mountainside Fire Department, please contact us or stop by the station located at 210 New Providence Road in Mountainside any Monday night from 7 P.M.-10P.M. and our members will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our department, or volunteering in general.