FAQ

The combination of classroom and practical exercise programs are self-paced. Firefighter classes are offered via county fire stations and community colleges.

Dependent upon class availability and time dedicated by the member, the expectation is for new members to be certified within 24 months. However, it is possible to complete the course work in much less time, possibly less than 9 months if the time is invested.

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) respond to emergency situations such as; automobile crashes, heart attacks, strokes, near drowning, unscheduled childbirth, poisonings, falls and general sick person calls. During these types of emergencies EMT's are responsible for administering life-saving medical attention.

EMT courses are offered through local community colleges and follow the standard semester schedule. The program is one semester in length and requires roughly 220 hours of classroom and clinical experience to complete. Candidates must pass a state exam or a national exam to become certified as an EMT.

No, this is a personal choice. Many members elect to obtain both certifications; however, it is not required. The department needs members with either certification, or both.

No, being a volunteer you set your own schedule. While the department does have a limited part-time paid staff, volunteers can come to the station anytime during the day or night. Volunteer’s staff night shifts at the station and members can commit to stay an entire 10-hour day shift, or 8-hour night shift. Volunteers can come to the station just to standby for calls for any length of time, all are welcome. Being a "volunteer" department, many members respond to calls from home once they have met the minimum qualifications. This allows members to be at home and still be an active volunteer. The goal is to have trained members reporting to duty when the community has a fire or medical emergency. Our Department does have a minimum participation requirement that members are expected to comply to.

Yes, the department also has as an Auxiliary Team and residents can serve as Board Members.

• Auxiliary team members provide support to firefighting operations by assisting during training; fire ground operations; staff rehabilitation during prolonged emergencies; and with station/vehicle readiness after events. Duties include securing food and water during emergency events, refilling air bottles, picking up EMT's from the hospital following a medical emergency, planning and hosting public relations events as well station dinners and special events for members.
• The Community Board Member duties include a monthly meeting of the Board of Directors to discuss business and personnel issues and additional meetings throughout the month depending on additional responsibilities assigned. The WVFD has two Community Representative positions on the Board.

Absolutely! We are staffed weekdays from 8am to 6pm and most weekends. You are welcome to stop by or call and schedule an opportunity to take a tour and ask questions of the duty staff.

The first step is to complete an application. You may fill an online application here