Aldine Fire & Rescue Volunteer Firefighter Training

Aldine Fire & Rescue Operational Guidelines: Volunteer Firefighter Training and Procedures

Purpose and Scope

• Establishes qualifications, training requirements, and procedures for volunteer firefighters
• Applies to all volunteer applicants and members of the District
• Uniform method for qualifying volunteers to receive a stipend

Definitions

• SFFMA: State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas
• TCFP: Texas Commission on Fire Protection
• TDSHS: Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Services)
• District: Harris County ESD No. 24/Aldine Fire & Rescue
• IFSAC: International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
• TEEX: Texas A&M Engineering Extensions Services
• NIMS: National Incident Management System

Minimum Requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• Physically able to perform firefighting duties
• Valid driver's license and proof of valid auto liability insurance
• Good driving record
• No criminal convictions or pending charges

Requirements

• Complete a volunteer application and 6-month probationary period
• Complete Volunteer Probationary Firefighter Workbook within 6 months
• Complete NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800, and Traffic Incident Management System courses
• Possess TCFP Structural Firefighter certification or SFFMA Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 certifications
• Ability to lift, move, and climb a ladder, carry heavy loads, drag a charged fire hose, hear alarms, and effectively communicate

Participation Requirements

• Attend at least one bi-monthly training session
• Volunteer for at least two 12-hour shifts per month, including two weekend shifts
• Participate in state and local courses

Scheduling a Shift

• Certified volunteers can work 12-hour shifts from 7 a.m to 6 p.m or 6 p.m to 7 a.m
• Volunteers must schedule shifts through W2W or contact the Executive Assistant or District Chief
• District Chief reserves the right to place volunteers at any station for proper coverage
• Do not report for duty without prior notice

Hours Worked

• Complete 12 hours of volunteer time and introductory awareness class to ride and respond to medical emergencies as an observer
• Assist a TDSHS Certified EMT or above with support functions
• Limited to working outside the hot zone in a support function until completing required training
• On-duty Captain provides direction and training
• Ensure Captain places volunteers on the Emergency Reporting roster for credit

Volunteer Assignments

• Captains make assignments at their station
• Volunteers not assigned to an apparatus will not respond unless directed by a Chief Officer
• Volunteers are not allowed to enter a hazard zone or operate a District vehicle without authorization
• Volunteers are not authorized to operate a District vehicle for personal reasons

Suspension or Separation

• Volunteers are subject to the same District policies and guidelines as employees
• Subject to performance enhancements and disciplinary procedures up to and including separation from the District

Stipend

• Eligible for a stipend of $100.00 for every 12 hours of shift work time, up to $600 per month
• Volunteers are responsible for any and all applicable taxes associated with remuneration
• Must volunteer a minimum of 24 hours per month, attend at least one bi-monthly training, and not miss assigned shifts or required training events

State or Federal Disaster Declaration

• During a disaster declaration, volunteers may be paid a maximum of $100.00 for every 12 hours worked, not to exceed 36 hours per pay period

This quiz covers the operational guidelines for volunteer firefighters, including qualifications, training requirements, insignias, and procedures. It also defines direction and guidelines for volunteer members and establishes a uniform method for qualification.