You don’t need any prior qualifications or training before applying to become a volunteer firefighter with Elevation Fire Department. We understand that many people are new to firefighting, and that’s why we provide all the training and support you need to get started. 

Once you join, you’ll undergo a thorough training program where you’ll learn the skills and techniques necessary to handle emergency situations. Whether it’s learning how to respond to medical emergencies, understanding fire behavior, or using the equipment properly, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

For younger applicants, starting as a cadet is the perfect introduction to the world of firefighting. You’ll be given hands-on experience alongside our trained firefighters, learning the fundamentals while gaining real-world exposure. 

For adults, you can jump straight into the volunteer firefighter training program, where you’ll be trained and certified to respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other critical situations.

We’re committed to making sure you feel confident and prepared before you ever step into the field. The goal is to help you become part of a well-trained, reliable team that can respond effectively to any emergency. 

So, even if you’ve never had any experience, Elevation Fire Department will equip you with everything you need to be a successful and capable firefighter. All you need is a strong desire to serve your community and a commitment to learning—everything else will be taught to you through our training.

The training process to become a volunteer firefighter with Elevation Fire Department is thorough, but it’s designed to move at a pace that ensures you’re fully prepared for the responsibilities that come with the role. 

While the exact duration can vary depending on your schedule and the specific training programs, our goal is to get you trained and ready to respond to emergencies as soon as possible, while ensuring you have all the skills and knowledge needed to be safe and effective.

From the moment you join, you’ll be introduced to a mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience. You’ll learn the basics of fire behavior, how to handle firefighting equipment, and emergency medical response. 

This training isn’t rushed because we want to make sure that when you’re called to an emergency, you feel confident in your abilities. The hands-on portion is especially important, as it gives you real-world practice, preparing you for the situations you’ll encounter when responding to a fire or medical emergency.

Your training doesn’t stop once you complete the initial program. Elevation Fire Department is committed to ongoing training and development, so you’ll continue to learn and grow as a firefighter even after you start responding to calls. 

The pace of the training can often be adapted to fit your current schedule, allowing you to balance it with work, school, or other commitments. We’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you’re fully prepared to serve Johnston County effectively.

By the time your training is complete, you’ll have built the skills and confidence needed to handle a wide variety of emergencies, all while working as part of a dedicated and supportive team.

The time commitment for volunteer firefighters at Elevation Fire Department is flexible and designed to fit around your life, whether you’re balancing a full-time job, school, or family responsibilities. 

While there is a level of commitment required to ensure you’re prepared and available to respond to emergencies, we understand that everyone’s availability differs. That’s why we work with you to create a schedule that allows you to contribute meaningfully without overwhelming your personal or professional life.

Once you’ve completed your initial training and are ready to start responding to calls, you’ll likely be asked to cover certain shifts or be on-call during specific times, depending on the department’s needs. Emergencies don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, so flexibility is key. 

However, the good news is that you’ll be part of a team, meaning that responsibility is shared across all volunteers. This ensures that the workload is spread out and you can still have time for your other obligations.

Additionally, we host regular training sessions and meetings to keep all firefighters, including volunteers, up-to-date on the latest techniques and safety procedures. These sessions are important for staying prepared, but we try to schedule them at convenient times to make participation easier for everyone. The idea is to make sure you’re always learning and growing in your role, but also to make sure you’re able to maintain balance in your life.

Ultimately, being a volunteer firefighter at Elevation Fire Department is a commitment, but it’s one that comes with flexibility and a deep sense of reward. You’ll be joining a supportive team where everyone works together to serve the community, and your efforts will be truly appreciated. Whether you can contribute a few hours a week or a bit more, your time and dedication will make a huge difference.

Balancing being a volunteer firefighter with your current job or school responsibilities is absolutely possible, and we’re committed to helping you find the right balance. At Elevation Fire Department, we understand that most of our volunteers have other important commitments, whether it’s work, school, or family. 

That’s why we offer flexible scheduling options to ensure you can contribute meaningfully without feeling overwhelmed.

As a volunteer firefighter, you won’t be expected to be on duty full-time. Instead, you’ll work with the department to establish a schedule that fits around your existing obligations. Many of our volunteers successfully balance their roles by covering shifts during their free time or signing up for on-call hours that don’t interfere with their work or school. The flexibility is there to make sure that you can participate when it works for you.

Additionally, we know that emergencies don’t follow a set schedule, but by working as part of a larger team, the responsibilities are shared. This allows you to contribute to the community in a way that doesn’t conflict with your everyday life. If your job or school schedule changes, we can adapt with you, ensuring that your role as a firefighter fits comfortably alongside your other priorities.

What makes volunteering as a firefighter so rewarding is that even a few hours of your time can have a huge impact on the safety and well-being of the community. You don’t have to choose between serving as a firefighter and succeeding in your career or studies—we’re here to help you manage both, and we’ll support you every step of the way.

At Elevation Fire Department, we believe that becoming a volunteer firefighter is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and growth. That’s why we provide ongoing support and continuous training to ensure our volunteers are always prepared, confident, and equipped with the latest skills. From the moment you join, you’ll receive initial, hands-on training, but it doesn’t stop there. We are committed to helping you continue developing your expertise throughout your time with us.

Ongoing training sessions are regularly scheduled to keep all firefighters up to date on new techniques, safety protocols, and equipment usage. These sessions often cover a wide range of topics, from advanced firefighting strategies to medical response training. 

Whether it’s learning to handle new technology, participating in real-life simulations, or mastering new rescue techniques, you’ll have the opportunity to grow in your role and expand your skill set over time.

We also provide mentorship and guidance from experienced firefighters. You’ll be part of a supportive team where seasoned firefighters are always available to share their knowledge and experience, helping you build confidence and become even more effective in the field. This ongoing learning environment ensures that you’re never alone and always have the resources you need to thrive.

Our commitment to continuous training also means that you’ll stay adaptable and ready to respond to any emergency. No matter how long you’ve been a firefighter, there’s always more to learn, and we make sure our volunteers have every opportunity to keep advancing. 

Whether you’re looking to develop new skills or refine existing ones, Elevation Fire Department is here to support you every step of the way.