Volunteer Focus
May 11, 2008
We’re proud of our volunteers and we want to tell you about them. You’ll be seeing members of our volunteer fire departments and rescue squads featured throughout Sullivan County as part of the “Join Us” campaign. On this site we will be focusing on some of those people, telling you more about their story.
George is an 84 year old firefighter and still going strong! While he may not fight the actual fires anymore, he is an active and vital member of the Sullivan West Volunteer Fire Department- from being Chairman of the Board, to being the mailman for the department, and any jobs in between. Originally from Corbin, Kentucky, George is World War II Veteran- seeing action with the 101st Airborne at Normandy during the D-Day invasion.
In 1945 he was discharged from the army and relocated to Sullivan County, Tennessee, a place he has seen in his time with the army and liked it so much he decided to stay. He worked with the Organic Chemical Department at Eastman for a number of years, but now enjoys volunteering at the fire department and at the Veterans Association Center, being retired, and riding his motorcycle everywhere. He is an active member of Rolling Thunder, and still rides his motorcycle cross-country to gather with some of his fellow 101st Airborne Veterans from time to time.
George has been married for 61 years, and has 4 kids- 3 daughters and a son. 
He has been volunteering at Sullivan West VFD for 30 years, joining up not long after the creation of the fire department itself. His rationale behind volunteering is simply helping your neighbors out, and that there is a great feeling that comes along with just being there to help others.
Keep Your Family Safe At Home
May 11, 2008
Check out our safety tips to find out different ways to keep yourself, and your family, safe. These tips will change periodically. Hopefully you’ll find them useful. Our current posting covers some useful and life saving fire-safety practices that will equip you with the knowledge and preparedness that you can use in the event of a fire related emergency. Taking a little time to prepare for emergencies will pay off large dividends toward protecting your family and property.
- Make a fire escape plan for your family. Find two exits out of every room.
- Pick a meeting place outside. Practice makes perfect – hold a family fire drill at least twice each year.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. For the best detection and notification protection, install both ionization- and photoelectric-type smoke alarms. Some models provide dual coverage. The type will be printed on the box or package. Put them inside or near every bedroom. Test them monthly to make sure they work. Put in new batteries once a year.
- Know how to put out a small pan fire by sliding a lid over the flames. Teach every family member to “Stop, Drop and Roll” if clothes catch fire.
- Consider having a home fire sprinkler system installed in your new home, or when you remodel.
- Learn how and when to use a fire extinguisher.
- If you have a fire in your home, once you get out, stay out. Do not go back inside for any reason.
About the Association
May 11, 2008
The Sullivan County Fireman’s Association is comprised of 10 volunteer fire departments and 4 rescue squads that together respond to over six thousand calls annually. Their services save the tax payers of Sullivan County in excess of 50 million dollars annually, in just personnel cost alone. Their contribution to the county through life safety and protection of property is immeasurable. If combined into one department, it would be the fifth largest in the state of Tennessee.
These agencies offer a wide range of emergency services, including emergency medical response, vehicle extrication, fire suppression, search and rescue, water rescue, trench rescue, structural collapse rescue, high angle rescue and hazardous materials response. Additionally, the Volunteer Emergency Service departments offer educational classes to their communities concerning various safety issues.
73% of the nation’s emergency services are run by volunteers. In Sullivan County, the volunteers in emergency services make up less than 1% of the population they serve, but this small percentage is making a big difference in their community.
Join Us
May 9, 2008
If you feel that you are ready to take up the call to volunteer in your local fire department or emergency services. Please take a moment to fill out our online application form. Someone will contact you and help you find a position in your local volunteer fire or rescue organization that will fit your skills and interests. The rewards of volunteerism far exceed any cost in your commitment and time.
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Learn More About Volunteering
May 9, 2008
Have questions about joining a volunteer fire department or rescue squad? We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions that may help you determine if this type of volunteerism is right for you.
Volunteering for your local rescue squad or fire department takes a serious commitment on the part of the volunteer. However the rewards in personal satisfaction and pride that comes with working as a team to help your fellow neighbors, cannot be measured. We hope that you consider service in this capacity and that these answers will shed some light on any concerns or questions as you decide to join the ranks of those who selflessly give their time and talents to their community. Your help is needed and deeply appreciated!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone be a volunteer?
Typically, if someone is willing to volunteer their time, there is a job for them.
Do volunteers get paid?
Not in a traditional sense, but in a residual way, absolutely. No one ever forgets the first call they run or the first time they helped someone in need. Volunteering in an emergency service is a rewarding experience like no other. Immediately you become part of a family of millions nationwide who are driven to help others in their time of need. Plus, if you think this may be a career choice for you there is no better way to find out.
Is there a difference between a professional and a volunteer?
Professionalism is a manner in which a person acts. Volunteers represent their agency in a professional manner every day. Some may differentiate between the two as paid versus volunteer, but that is not true. The value of service and the inherent risks are no more or less if you’re paid or not.
How do I know which volunteer agency serves me?
Each volunteer emergency service has a territory which it serves, even inside City limits. Typically it is a good idea to volunteer in the one closest to you. To find out which agency serves you please call or e-mail us.
What happens if I get hurt?
Volunteer emergency services carry insurance to cover members in the event of an injury.
How much time does it take?
With each agency this varies, depending on the type of membership you choose and/or availability. Typically more time is involved in the beginning as new members learn procedures, but there will be a minimum requirement to maintain membership.
How will I get the training I need?
All of the emergency services do regular in-house training and will provide you the training you’ll need.
Do I have to buy my own uniform/equipment?
Not all of the agencies require you to wear a uniform, but for those that do, uniforms are usually provided. Other equipment such as protective gear (coat, pants, helmet), pager, etc. will be provided for you.
How will I know there is an emergency?
Volunteers are issued pagers that are set off by the County’s 911 Center when there is an emergency.
Is it like I see on television?
Not really. Typically in television shows you see a very small part of what is happening on an emergency scene, and sometimes the emergency is not as complicated as the storyline itself.
In reality, emergency are much more complex than they appear on shows. The agencies who respond spend lots of time training their men and readying their equipment for when they’re needed. This is the unglamorous side of the job.
Is a volunteer’s car an emergency vehicle?
While it isn’t unusual for a volunteer to respond in their personal vehicle, it is not considered an emergency vehicle and all rules of the road still apply.
How would this effect my work?
Your family and your work should come before your volunteer responsibilities. Volunteer agencies are realistic about this and will make every effort to work with you. You may want to talk to your employer about volunteering so you’re familiar with their policy. Some businesses make special considerations.
Would volunteering help me get hired by a paid department?
Of course. There is certainly no better place to learn the ropes about EMS or fire fighting than in a volunteer emergency service. As with any job, the person who can hit the ground running is a more attractive candidate than the person who can’t.
How dangerous is it?
Due to the nature of the job there is an inherent risk, yet with proper training the risks can be minimized. Statistically, the biggest threat to emergency service workers is heart disease, followed by motor vehicle accidents.
Can I Be a Member of a Rescue Squad and a Volunteer Fire Department?
People belong to both, but some agencies have rules against this. You would need to check with your local emergency service to find out their policy. If you are new to this field, it is recommended you join and complete training in one agency then you can determine if you have time for both.
Have More Questions?
If you have any questions about Volunteer Emergency Services not addressed here, feel free to contact us. We’re excited about your interest and would be happy to help you in any way possible. You may contact us at 323-FIRE or e-mail us using the mail button on this site. If you feel that this volunteer opportunity is right for you, click on the Join Us button and fill out the online preliminary application.
What’s Required?
May 9, 2008
Before you join you need to make sure you meet our department’s applicant requirements (at the end of this story), then we recommend you visit with us. This way you can see what the fire department is like, meet some of our members, and ask any questions you may have. We can even arrange for you to pull duty with members (if scheduling allows). Next you’ll need to fill out an application. We prefer that you do this at least two weeks before a board meeting to allow references to be called, etc. Once your application is cleared, you will then be asked to attend the next board meeting for voting. Member applications are voted on at the beginning of the meeting.
Pulling Duty
When you’re accepted, you’ll be assigned to a Captain who will be your primary department contact. He or she will work with you scheduling your duty and help oversee your training. All members are accepted on a 6 month probationary period during which time they learn basic concepts and skills they will need. Most members pull their (12 hour) duty in the evenings, spending the night at the department. However special arrangements can be made to break this into shorter shifts/duties. Members who are pulling duty check the equipment to make sure they are ready to respond to the next emergency. New members will be walked through this several times. Once that is done, as well as some light cleaning, the rest of your duty night is spent at your leisure waiting on a call.
Applicant Requirements
- Must live in the department’s service area (or the service area of an adjacent department)
- Must be 18 years of age (unless applying for the Cadet Program)
- Must possess a valid form of ID
- Must meet with a Screening Committee composed of department members
- Must appear before the department’s Board of Directors (when application is voted on)
Membership Requirements
- New members are accepted on a 6 month probationary period
- New members will be mentored by a Senior Member
- Members must pull one 12-hour stand-by (duty/shift) at the station each month
- Members must respond to calls whenever possible
- Members must attend regular training
The department reserves the right to subject all members to a drug screening.
All members motor vehicle records are reviewed annually.
New members will be assigned equipment at the end of their probationary period.
Want to “Join Us”?
May 8, 2008
