NCFPD is looking for volunteers for station 6 in Rainbow

FALLBROOK – Anyone interested in becoming a firefighter paramedic is invited to apply for a volunteer position with North County Fire Protection District (NCFPD), at station 6 in Rainbow. Volunteering is a good way for men and women to learn about the profession, find out if they have what it takes to do the job, or just serve their community.

While the district welcomes applications year round, it is actively recruiting volunteer firefighter candidates now, with the recruitment period closing Nov. 28 at 4 p.m.

As an all volunteer fire department, the Rainbow station was run by volunteers for many decades. Now a part of the NCFPD, its volunteers are supervised by a captain paramedic at all times.

Applicants must meet minimum requirements, including being at least 18 years of age, having a high school diploma or GED; and State of California emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. There is an exception for applicants who live within the NCFPD boundaries (Fallbrook, Bonsall, and Rainbow). Those local residents may apply and serve as volunteers without having an EMT certification, but must proactively work toward being accepted into an EMT program within the first year of volunteering.

All who meet these minimum requirements are asked to consider applying for the volunteer firefighter position.

According to administrative captain Danny Delgado, "NCFPD encourages local participation and values the organization being representative of the community we serve; to that end, women and minorities are encouraged to apply."

Due to a recent grant award, NCFPD can offer educational incentives forEMT, paramedic school and fire academy attendance.

Volunteer firefighters serve the community by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property to routine citizen requests for information or assistance.

They perform within the scope of the policies and procedures of the NCFPD and they perform duties in the following general categories: fire suppression, emergency medical aid or rescue, hazardous material responses, training, and public education.

The volunteer firefighter normally works under the supervision of a senior volunteer firefighter or a company officer and is expected to function effectively as part of a highly trained team. They are also expected to perform their duties under adverse conditions and physical conditions that may pose a high risk of personal injury or exposure to hazardous conditions or infectious diseases.

The volunteer firefighter is required to attend regularly scheduled training in order to maintain the high level of knowledge, skill and ability necessary to function safely and effectively as a firefighter and EMS provider in accordance with state law, county protocols, and standard operating procedures.

The work performance of a volunteer firefighter is continuously evaluated for general knowledge, skill proficiency, and ability to work as part of a team. The position can be seen as community service as well as valuable training for a career in firefighting.

For an application, visit www.ncfireprotectiondistrict.org or stop by the administration office at 330 South Main Ave., Fallbrook.