BECOMING A MEMBER

LOGO

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES ?

IT'S 3:00AM......THE ALARM SOUNDS !
FLAME

It's snowing and bitter cold outside. Someone needs help! Do you have the willingness and desire to answer the call? The ambition to volunteer with the only pay being the satisfaction that you made a difference?

TO HELP AS A VOLUNTEER ?

The Pochuck Valley Fire Department is totally an "all" volunteer organization. New members are always needed and heartily welcomed. Being a volunteer does involve many long hours and its not for just anyone. There is a certain dedication that's required within, and a willingness to serve the community. Prospective members should know there are restrictions that do apply, and, those serious about becoming a new member should read carefully.

To be eligible the following requirements must be meet:

Citizen of the United States of America.
Resident of the Township of Vernon, NJ for at least six months prior to application and currently residing in the Pochuck Valley Fire District.
Between 18 and under 46 years of age .
Physically Capabable.
The desire and dedication to help others.

Generally, membership is open to all individuals in good health that meet the above criteria. The applicant should be capable of carrying out physical firefigthing duties set forth within the guidelines of the "NJ State Firemens Relief Association". After filing out the required application, a medical examination is required. The application is then processed both on the local and state levels. There are also background security checks made.

Sussex Fire

Once the applications is proccessed and successfully accepted, the new member is placed on probation till training requirements are met. The new member is also fitted with the proper NFPA and OSHA complient turnout gear and equipment for training and alarms. The mandated training requirements must be met before any actual fire ground operations are allowed. This is for the safety of all! New members are required to show up for the alarms, however, "NO" actual firefighting is preformed till qualified and certified. New members being at the fire scene is a valuable learning experience and is expected. The individual must take as soon as is available the required training courses, "FireFighter I" and "FireFighter II". Both courses are given at the local Fire Academy here in Sussex County and encompass many months of night school. Both courses involve classroom and actual "hands on" training. They are required by the state and there are no options or exxceptions allowed. The rest of the training is done on the local departments level during certain drills and classes.

Fire men

There are a minimun of three Monday nights a month involved, for drills and work details at the firehouse. Also, a monthly meeting the first Thursday of each month is required. This is in addition to any alarms that my occur. The applicant should be aware that not everyone makes all calls and "volunteering" is giving as much as you can when you can.

While the department is strictly a volunteer organization, it does have to follow many state laws pertaining to membership. New members are required to not only follow those guidelines but the departments "By-Laws" also. All department members are required to maintain a percentage of atleast 60% (fires, drills, and meetings)to be a member in good standing.

Junior Membership
The fire department has a program set up for those between the ages of 16 and 18 who wish be junior firefighters. The guidelines for eligibility are the same, and except for age, there are many restrictions involved. Some of the schooling and training is open to the younger members, and, those interested can contact any officer for further information.

Stop by the firehouse and say "Hello" on any monday night to find out more. Individuals interested can also contact us using the form on the contact page.