MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

This web page has been developed as a primer for men and women in the community who are interested in becoming volunteer members of the Fort Bragg Fire Department. It contains information on the nature of our business, the Fire Department's organization, membership policies and procedures, training and participation requirements.

Committing to serve as a volunteer, as a Firefighter or an Emergency Medical Technician, is a serious decision. It should not be made lightly.

We can't anticipate all possible questions about volunteer membership, but this web page contains the information that is most important in deciding whether to inquire further about our organization.

For additional information, contact Fire Chief Steve Orsi, at 707-961-2831 or 961-2830.

LETTER FROM THE CHIEF

Dear Prospective Member,

As Chief of the Fort Bragg Fire Department, I have been committed to providing the most effective and efficient fire and emergency medical services available.

You will find that participation as a member of the Fort Bragg Fire Department will bring
personal rewards and satisfaction, raise self-esteem, and give you a tremendous sense of
accomplishment for a job well done. It will also provide your community with a valuable
service that has the potential to touch us all-

Your service as a Volunteer Fire Fighter with the Fort Bragg Fire Department requires a
serous commitment. We can not accept a partial commitment Your decision to join us
should not be made quickly. This web page has been developed to provide the information
needed to help you make that decision.

Please read the enclosed material and, once you understand what is involved in being a
member of our Department. I hope that you are able to make the commitment we need. It's
also important that you share this information with your family, as they must also commit to
supporting your joining our organization.

The services provided by our volunteers is truly valuable to the residents of  Fort Bragg and 
I know that you will be able to contribute to the public safety.


Respectfully,

Steve Orsi,
Fire Chief

MISSION STATEMENT

1. Protect Life
Provide structural fire rescue1 extrication, medical aide, water/cliff rescues and any other means to protect the people in our community from harm.


II. Protect Property
Use all of our resources to minimize damage created by any form of disaster, be it fire, flood, earthquake or hazardous material  spill.


III. Safe Guard the Environment
Use our resources to contain hazardous material spills, extinguish wildland fires.


IV. Provide a Safe Area for Townspeople and Visitors
Using fire prevention codes, make our district as safe as  possible.


V. Be Prepared to Assist in Any Emergency 
By constantly attending training sessions, we will be able to mitigate unfortunate incidents in our district.


VI. Maintain Professionalism
Maintain the high level of professionalism that makes members proud to be a part of the Fort Bragg Fire Department and keeps our community proud of their Fire Department.

DEPARTMENT PROFILE

The Fort Bragg Fire Department, under one name or another, has been in existence for 110
years. Volunteer firefighters have dedicated themselves to protecting the life and property of this coastal community in which they live and work.

The Fort Bragg Fire Department has always been a very strong  volunteer fire department.
At this writing (2001), thirty-seven firefighters and one auxiliary member actively dedicate themselves to protecting life and property.

The Fort Bragg Fire Department has two stations, one on Main Street in Fort Bragg and one on Highway 20. There are plans in the future for a station near  Little Valley Road north of Fort Bragg.

The Department serves a population of approximately 15,000.

As the future unfolds, our needs will become many. With a sharp rise in emergency
responses over the past five years (1995-2001), the commitment of  the entire department has virtually doubled.

The Fire Department operates under the direction of the Fire Chief who is responsible to the
Board of the Joint Powers Authority.

NATURE OF OUR BUSINESS

The Fire and Rescue service is one of the most diverse and challenging professions known
today. It is the diversity that inspires most men and women to enter the service, whether as
volunteers or career employees. Imagine learning and devel9ping skills to cope with
situations ranging from building fires to childbirth, to hazardous chemical spills, to heart
attacks--to almost any imaginable emergency situation in between. Consider the challenge
of helping people at all hours of the day and night, seven days a week, in any kind of
weather, and very often under highly stressful conditions. That's why our profession is one
of the most rewarding of any in the community.


We exist for two basic purposes. First, to prevent fire or medical emergencies from
occurring. This is accomplished through fire prevention, fire safety education, health
maintenance education, building inspections, engineering and code enforcement programs.
Second, we prepare ourselves to control fire or medical emergencies when they do occur.
This is done through education, training, pre-incident planning, more training, use of state-
of-the-art equipment and more training. We are a para-military profession working in a
"hurry up and wait" environment.


This business is not for everyone. You need more than just a desire to help people. You
also need courage, dedication, assertiveness, and a willingness to learn new skills and face
new challenges. The fire and rescue service is not for the meek or timid or for those who
lose control of their emotions during times of crisis. Our service is one which calls on its
members to perform hot, sweaty, dirty, strenuous work, often in uncertain and hazardous
environments. The bottom line in our business is measured by how well our actions have
reduced loss of life, pain and suffering, and property damage. That is our service to the
people. The personal rewards and self-satisfaction each of us receives from participation in
the fire and rescue service are often beyond description. We all share a sense of
accomplishment after controlling a building fire, joy and elation when a child is born, the
deep satisfaction in reducing the suffering of accident victims and the ill, and the fulfillment
of teaching fire safety.


If you believe you have what it takes to meet the challenges of our business, we welcome
you to join us.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS/PROCESS

Requirements:

  • Live in the District limits of Fort Bragg

  • 18 years of age or older

  • High School graduate

  • In good physical condition

  • Valid California Driver's License


Process:

The Fire Chief will review the Department of Motor Vehicle driving record of each candidate
to insure possession of a valid driver's license and to review the accident/citation history.

Candidates will participate in a physical agility test.

The Fire Chief will require applicants to be finger printed in order to perform a basic criminal
background investigation required for public safety positions.

After completion of the testing process1 candidates will be notified by the Fire Chief of the
results.

Those asked to continue with the process will be required to complete a detailed medical
exam including drug testing, paid for by the Fire Department. Those passing this exam will
be appointed an auxiliary firefighter.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

All volunteers entering the Fort Bragg Fire Department will participate in training programs
taught by Fire Department personnel, regardless of whether the new member has prior
training or experience.

Volunteers will be issued a radio pager and will be allowed to respond to emergencies.
During a six month probationary period, Auxiliary Firefighters may not enter burning
buildings, participate in activities requiring advanced training, be subjected to hazardous
environments, or respond to "first out" fire apparatus, unless directed otherwise by a Fire
Department officer.

During this probationary period, firefighters are required to successfully complete a "First
Responder" medical class. This class is offered often and will be paid for by the Fire
Department.

Members who desire to increase their participation level and achieve greater proficiency
may attend advanced training programs particular to their interest. Scores of special training
programs are offered in areas such as apparatus driver/operator, Emergency Medical
Technician, rescue operations, hazardous materials control and others. Advanced training
is paid for by the Fire Department with prior approval.

Regular Department Training Drills:

- Training drills are Thursday nights, beginning at 1900 hours and lasting 2 hours minimum.

- All members should attend training drills.


Items Covered Annually:

  • Medical Aid (first responder)

  • Aerial Operations

  • Confined Space Rescue

  • Fire Ground Operations

  • Drafting

  • Large Diameter Hose Operations

  • Haz-Mat (refresher)

  • Vehicle Extrications

  • Electrical Emergencies

  • Salvage

  • Ladders

  • Fire Shelters/Wildland

  • Engine Operations

  • Cliff Rescue

  • Venting

  • SCBAs

  • Chimney Fires

  • And other fire department related items that the department feels needs to be practiced.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

While emergency response and training activities keep Volunteer Firefighters quite busy,
social activities also pay an important role in the organization. These activities strengthen
morale, motivation and team building for the members of the Department.

These activities include:

Social Events:

  • Family Barbecues

  • Crab Feed

  • Christmas Party

Fund Raising:

  • Sales of tee shirts and sweatshirts

  • Annual golf tournament

  • Annual Fireman's Ball

  • Annual Barbecue

Other Programs:

  • Christmas Candy Cane Run

  • Fort Bragg High School Scholarship Program

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Who pays the cost of required training?
A: Training for volunteers is provided free of charge.

Q. How much will I have to pay for my protective clothing and uniforms?
A: All required protective clothing is provided by the Joint Powers Authority Board at no cost to you. Each member must supply one set of uniform pants and belt.

Q: Who provides insurance coverage for my activities as a volunteer?
A: The JPA provides insurance. Coverage includes auto liability while operating fire and rescue vehicles, accidental death and disability/workers compensation, medical and comprehensive liability. More information about these policies may be obtained from the Fire Department office.

Q. After my initial training, how much time will I be expected to give as an active member?
A: The exact time requirements vary. The average time desired from volunteer members is 20
hours per month. This average is based on what is needed to keep you proficient in your skills. There is no ceiling on how much you can participate.

Q: Is it possible to concentrate and specialize in either fire or emergency medical service, or must I participate in both?
A: Operational members of the department are required to obtain entry level training certification in both the fire and EMS fields. Once these requirements are met, members may specialize in either fire or EMS, depending on personal preference. Members are required to maintain their entry level certification in both fields through periodic testing.

Q: Are there opportunities for advancement?
A: Absolutely. Volunteers serve in all positions up through the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. It all depends on the individual member's initiative.

Q: Can women be active volunteers with the Fire Department?
A: Yes. We currently have one woman serving with the department and encourage others to apply.

Q: Do men and women have the same requirements for entry and
training?
A; Yes. Fires and medical emergencies do not vary according to the gender of the emergency
service personnel on duty at a particular time. Training and other standards are based on performance requirements and do not vary. This insures a consistent level of performance expectations.

Q; Will serving as a volunteer give me any preference for being hired as a career firefighter by the Fort Bragg Fire Department if a position is available?
A: While no hiring preference may be given, serving as a volunteer member will give you the opportunity to gain valuable training and experience in fire and emergency medical services. This background will enhance your ability to be competitive should the Fort Bragg Department ever become a paid department. There are currently only two paid, career positions, Fire Chief and
firefighter/maintenance.

Q: Are volunteers compensated or paid in any way?
A: Yes. There is a quarterly payment which is divided up between all the volunteers and there are minimal payments made for attending calls, drills and meetings. This stipend * is intended to assist volunteers with the personal cost of soiled or damaged clothes, vehicle expense or other items volunteers may purchase such as uniform pants, shoes and t-shirts. Volunteers are not motivated by pay, but by providing a community service to their friends and neighbors.
*Auxiliary members do not receive this stipend.

Q: How do the experienced firefighters feel about new members to the department?
A: Each firefighter will develop his/her own opinion, but in general, they will be very helpful in assisting you with orientation and future development.

Q. Will I be able to drive the fire equipment?
A: Yes. After you have completed your probationary period and have obtained a Class B Commercial driver's license.

Q: Do I have to have emergency medical training?
A: Yes. During your probationary period you will be required to complete a first responder
medical class at the Department's expense.