Volunteer Fire Departments

• Author: Raymond S. DiRaddo
• Pages: 521-588

Chapter 12

Volunteer Fire Departments

§12:10 New York Fire District Officers’ Guide 12-2

§12:10 GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS

In order to make the most of training and modern equipment, the board of fire commissioners should give careful

attention to the personnel requirements of their fire company. To prevent fire, to contain it when it breaks out, to protect

lives and property is the task of the firefighter. Sound training, effective discipline and modern equipment combine to

safeguard the community.

A fire company is only as good as the persons who staff it. Usually the general requirements for membership in a

volunteer company are set forth in the constitution and bylaws of the company, the rules and regulations of the board

of fire commissioners, and the criteria set forth in law. Town Law §176-b.

§12:10.1 RESIDENCE

In order to become a member of a fire company or continue as a member, a person must meet the basic residence

requirements listed below. Town Law §176-b.

(1) The applicant or member must be a resident of the Fire District;

(2) The applicant or member must be a resident of territory outside of the Fire District which is afforded fire pro-

tection by the Fire Department of the district pursuant to a contract for fire protection; or

(3) The applicant or member must be a person who, by reason of his or her residence in the vicinity or his or

her usual occupation, will be available to render service as a volunteer firefighter. Such membership must be

approved by resolution of the board of fire commissioners and will terminate when the member cannot meet

the above requirements. No more than 45% of the members of the Fire Company may by resolution restrict

membership to the residents of the Fire District.

For the purpose of determining whether a person meets the residency requirements, Town Law §176-b, the term

“resident” has been construed by the Attorney General of the State of New York as meaning “domicile.” Domicile

requires an intention to make a residence a permanent and fixed home. A temporary residence for a temporary purpose,

with intent to return to the old home, once that purpose has been completed, leaves the domicile unchanged. A person

may have several residences, but can only have one domicile. The actual place where a person is residing is not always

the domicile. It is necessary that a determination be made based on the facts of each case.

§12:10.2 ESSENTIALS

There are many essentials needed in a modern firefighter. Physical and medical requirements are just the beginning.

The modern fire fighter must have the ability to do the job, ability to understand and absorb the rigorous training and

must be in good physical condition.

The prospective volunteer member should have, at a minimum, a high school education, or possess an equivalency

certificate. The prospective fire fighter should be mentally alert, willing and able to learn, must be in good health and

able to pass a rigid physical examination. Good vision without glasses (at least 20/40 vision) and freedom from color

blindness is a must. Height is generally specified as a minimum, generally starting at 5’7”. Weight is generally spec-

ified in accordance with a standard weight chart in relation to height and age. However, many companies have found

it desirable to place a minimum weight of not less than 145 pounds.

Strength and agility to carry a person, to climb or descend ladders, to walk a ridge pole or cornice with proper

balance should also be requirements. Strength of grip, good hand and eye coordination are also necessities.

Most bylaws as well as state laws require that members be citizens. Nearly all have found it advantageous to require

members to have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license. There are other required skills, knowledge, and abilities

generally spelled out in any typical specification for fire fighters.

The necessary fingerprint clearance, credit and character investigation will be detailed under the work of the mem-

bership committee. An arson check is required.

12-3 Volunteer Fire Departments §12:40

§12:20 APPLICATION PROCESS

The first step that a prospective member should be required to take is to fill out an application form. This form

should describe his personal statistics such as weight, height, age, physical condition, education, employment record

and any record of law violations or infractions. This becomes part of the record and is used in many of the further

steps of the recruiting process. Once the application has been properly filled out, the prospective member’s name is

forwarded to the membership committee.

§12:30 RECRUITMENT

Recruitment in Volunteer Fire Companies should not be a haphazard undertaking. Membership in fire companies

should be based upon a genuine interest in the Fire Service and careful attention should be paid to the applicant’s actual

abilities or qualifications.

Membership in a Fire Company is a serious responsibility not only to the community in which a firefighter serves,

but also to the Fire Service as a whole. A man who “fails” as a firefighter not only creates a bad impression against the

Company itself but brings discredit on the Fire Service as a whole.

Every member of a Fire Company should be on the lookout for prospective members who would make good addi-

tions to the Company when vacancies occur. A concerted effort should be made at all times by members to keep the

Company at its full strength.

A prospective member should not be accepted without question just because he has been a member of a Fire

Company in some other locality, because standards do vary from department to department. Any applicant should be

investigated very carefully to determine his performance record in all past associations with the Fire Service. Unfortu-

nately, having been a member of another Fire Company is no assurance that the applicant is a well-trained fire fighter.

§12:40 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

The Membership Committee is one of the most important committees of a Volunteer department for the efficient

operation of the department depends upon the sound activities of this committee. The bylaws of each volunteer fire

department should completely cover the qualifications of one who is to serve on the Membership Committee, and the

term of office should not relate to the term of the office of the president of the company or department. The individuals

so appointed should be members with experience and with a keen understanding of the principles and purpose of a

volunteer fire department.

§12:40.1 COMPOSITION AND APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE

The Membership Committee should consist of at least three people (sometimes five is a more desirable number)

to eliminate any possible deadlock in action of the committee.

The term of office of a member of the Membership Committee should be for different periods up to a maximum

of five years. In order to ensure that a Membership Committee has continuity, terms of appointment for the first mem-

bers should be for varying periods of time; thereafter a definite fixed term for each member, so that terms overlap.

This permits a continuing majority who has a solid background and greater knowledge of not only the principles and

purpose of the Fire Company but of individuals who will apply or have applied for membership from time to time.

Interim vacancies should be filled for the remaining term of the original appointment.

The work of the Membership Committee is detailed and should always follow a definite program that is understood

by all members of a volunteer department.

In considering the responsibilities of a Membership Committee, the operating bylaws of the department should also

receive like consideration. With a strong Membership Committee and a weak set of bylaws, their work can end only in