Most of MCFR's volunteer firefighters work other jobs, and many are retired professionals or are self-employed. They carry a pager 24-hours a day and work out of one of MCFR's rural volunteer stations or work shifts with career firefighters.

Volunteer firefighting gives people an opportunity to give back to the community and form life-long friendships. It also offers non-stop excitement and training opportunities as well as incentive programs.

Volunteer Stations

MCFR has six stations dedicated to volunteers, but volunteers can work out of any of the departments 25 career stations as well. The MCFR Volunteer-Dedicated Stations are:

• Florida Highlands Station
• Hog Valley Station
• Pedro Station
• Lake Tropicana Station
• Electra Station
• Rolling Woods Station

Training

Volunteer firefighters must pass training and certification classes. Many of these classes are offered at night for free at MCFR Headquarters. Classes typically run on six-week cycles. The level of volunteer firefighter requires different amounts of training as follows:

Support Level

Volunteer Firefighters are trained to drive emergency vehicles and assist career firefighters with brush fires and exterior attacks. These volunteers take 60 hours of entry level classes but do not enter burning buildings.

Combat Volunteer

Firefighters take 220 hours of classes which include not only the basics but also the National Fire Protection Association Firefighting I class. These firefighters enter burning buildings and assist career personnel with interior attacks.

State-Certified Firefighters

These firefighters take more than 500 hours of classes including National Fire Protection Association Firefighting I and II. They also take additional classes in emergency medical services. All of MCFR's full-time firefighters are EMTs or paramedics.

Volunteer Incentive Programs

Volunteer firefighters are eligible to receive a $300 stipend every three months if they respond to 33% of station calls and train at least 12 hours each quarter.

Volunteer firefighters must also attend one 30-minute meeting each month and earn positive evaluations from their station officers.

When volunteer firefighters complete 60 hours of entry level classes and become a "Support Level Volunteer Firefighter," they will receive $100. If they take an additional 160 hours of classes and become a "Combat Volunteer Firefighter," they will receive an additional $150.

When volunteer firefighters take additional certification classes, they will receive $3 per class hour.