Volunteer Opportunities

Clallam County Fire District No.3 welcomes volunteers to join our team of dedicated firefighters. We currently have over 65 volunteer firefighters and EMTs, and are actively recruiting throughout the year. Firefighting is physically challenging, but also extremely rewarding. Fire District No.3 is fortunate to have such a great pool of ideal community members from which to draw volunteers. Our volunteers have expressed how lucky they feel to have this opportunity, as many communities do not train and recruit volunteers any longer. We encourage you to begin the application process today.

Volunteers, who are not compensated for their work, receive a sense of satisfaction from providing an essential service to the Fire District while keeping the cost to residents affordable. Volunteers are reimbursed for the costs they incur while training, attending drills and classes; and while answering any emergency calls. They also receive insurance coverage under the Washington State Volunteer Pension and Relief Act. This is similar to the coverage that is received under Washington State Labor and Industries workers compensation. Also, they are provided with a life insurance policy. When a volunteer with 25 years of service reaches age 65, they receive a pension of $280 per month.

What kind of people are you looking for?

Our volunteers are people just like you. Everyone brings something special to the team. Both men and women volunteer, representing a wide range of ages and backgrounds, from 18-year-olds to retirees. You should be reasonably fit or willing to get into shape so you can pass our physical agility test. Some of the situations you will experience as a firefighter are difficult and can be both physically and mentally taxing, so a certain level of maturity is required. However, these experiences are also extremely rewarding, so new members can expect to learn more about themselves and feel more committed to their community than ever before.

Am I qualified?

1. Must be a United States citizen or possess a valid work permit and alien registration.
2. Must have a current Washington State driver’s license.
3. Must be fluent in the English language.
4. Must be in good physical condition.
5. Must be and remain a non-tobacco user.
6. Must not have any felony convictions.
7. Must not have any conviction involving moral turpitude.
8. Must be willing to take the required fire and medical training.
9. Must not wear a beard.

What is the process to become a volunteer member of the Fire District?

1. Attend New Member Meeting
2. Submit completed volunteer application
3. Pass physical ability examination (Pass or Fail)
4. Complete in oral interview
5. Pass criminal and background check
6. Pass medical examination by Department Doctor
7. Complete Recruit Training or EMT Program
8. Complete a 12 month probationary period

Clallam County Fire District No. 3 pays all costs involved in this process.

How much training is involved?

Our training will ensure you are physically and mentally fit before you are put into any real emergency situation. You’ll be familiar with all of the hazards, equipment and tools needed to fight fire. You’ll know your team members and their roles and be ready to manage many different scenarios. Don’t worry if you feel unsure of yourself. We have over 20 certified fire service instructors providing plenty of support to help you become qualified.

There is quite a bit of training you will need prior to your first call. You’ll go through our Firefighter 1 training academy that takes just about three months. We know it sounds long, but we only train two nights a week, usually Wednesday and Friday nights from 6:30 p.m. and on most nights for three hours. Saturdays begin at 8:00 a.m. and are usually over by early afternoon. This is where we’ll provide you the training to become not only qualified, but skilled at performing the job of a firefighter.

You may also start with EMT Class. It is usually Wednesday nights from 6:30 p.m. and on most nights for three hours. Saturdays begin at 8:00 a.m. and are usually over by 5:00 p.m. EMT class is usually about 12 weeks and is accredited by Peninsula College.

Upon successful completion of the academy or EMT class, you’ll then be assigned to a Volunteer station, issued a pager and start going out on calls.

What do I need to do first?

Fill out an interest card and either mail it or drop it off at Station 34 on 3rd Ave in Sequim. When we are preparing to start a new recruit class or EMT class we will use this contact information to call you in for an orientation meeting.

How much ongoing training is required?

You’ll attend weekly drills and department events throughout the year. Training is offered every Monday or Tuesday night at your local station from 7:00 p.m. and lasts about two and a half hours for firefighters. Fire fighters are required to maintain 50% drill attendance that is audited quarterly. Medical responders can train the third Monday or Tuesday during the same hours each month as well.

There are other incredible opportunities for outside training once you become a seasoned member. In the past, our members have attended training conferences or events in nearly every state. For example, Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis, Fire House Expo in San Diego, and Medical Unit Leader Training in Denver.

May I be both a volunteer firefighter and volunteer EMT?

Yes, and well over half of our volunteer firefighters do both. We also have volunteers participate in our Technical Rescue Team and Wildland Firefighting team.