You Are What You Do When It Counts

The Frontenac Fire Department is seeking men and women interested in serving as Volunteers for their community. Positions are available for both emergency response and non-emergency support. 

The Frontenac Fire Department supports emergency and non-emergency needs of the Department. Therefore, the department is comprised of two levels; one for emergency response and the other for non-emergency support and administrative details.

Please be aware that in order to be eligible for a volunteer firefighter position, you must live within a pre-determined response distance of the Frontenac Fire Rescue Department. You may contact the Fire Chief for specific information regarding the geographical boundaries.

The selection of volunteers is based on the needs of the Department. Emphasis is generally placed on geographic location as volunteers typically respond from home or workplace in their private vehicles. Safe driving records are required of all applicants. Newly admitted emergency response volunteers are required to meet specific guidelines for training. Volunteers are also encouraged to participate in station training activities, public education events and other department sponsored activities.

Firefighting safety equipment and a uniform is provided and maintained by the Department. Volunteers who meet specific guidelines for training will be eligible for continued training offered through the Department. Non-emergency volunteers may assist command and support staff during emergencies or support activities.

Minimum requirements include:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Applicable driver's license.

3. 18 years of age or older.

4. Legal right to work in the United States.

5. Reside within set geographical boundaries.

Required application procedure:

• Pick up a volunteer application between 8:00am and 5:00pm.

• Complete the application and return it to the station.

• The completed application must be returned to the Fire Chief. If you return your completed application to a volunteer of the fire department, the volunteer will forward it to the Fire Chief.

• Your application will be kept on file and a reply forwarded to you when Frontenac Fire Rescue begins accepting applications for volunteer firefighter positions.

• Applications are checked for compliance with geographical boundaries.

• A letter is sent to an applicant upon acceptance.

• If an application is accepted, the applicant will be invited to the second stage of the volunteer process, the physical ability test.

• Notification is sent to each applicant advising them if they have passed the physical ability test.

• If an application passes the physical ability test, the applicant will be invited to the final stage of the process, the oral interview.

• The oral interview takes place.

• Notification is sent to each applicant advising them of the oral interview results: either acceptance, non-acceptance, or placement on an eligibility list.

• Acceptance as a volunteer firefighter is based upon successful completion of a medical exam, reference check, DMV check and background check.

• If you you are accepted as a volunteer firefighter, you must attend monthly meetings and drills, and respond to calls. 

The Physical Ability test is made up of a list of physical aptitude measurements. Elements within the test must be completed within a defined time period, all while wearing a standard air-pack weighing approximately 20lbs (9kg). Tests can (but do not necessarily) include:

• removing a ladder from a chest-high rack, carrying it, and replacing it.

• dragging a hose several hundred feet, then pulling it hand-over-hand.

• blind escape (simulation of attic or other tight area escape)

• dummy drag (pulling a 180lb (82kg) dummy through an enclosed walkway, simulating rescuing a fallen firefighter.

• lifting a 40lb (18kg) hose roll at the end of a rope hand-over-hand up two stories from a balcony.

• rolling several hose bundles.

• loading hose bundles onto a waist-high platform and back down to the ground.

• etc.

This is an extremely strenuous test for most people. It is strongly recommended that the applicant be in top physical condition, especially upper body strength and aerobic conditioning.