VOLUNTEER

volunteering

The South Pekin Fire Department is continuously looking for new members. Volunteers from all walks of life already put in countless hours every year to make sure the Fire Department is ready to handle every call for help. Being a volunteer firefighter is a challenging and rewarding way to serve your community. The job is physically and mentally demanding and requires that the firefighter trains hard. At the South Pekin Fire Department, you’ll be surrounded by dedicated, motivated people who will help you develop your potential and become the best firefighter you can be.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 18 years of age. Must be 21 years old to become full firefighting member and to participate in interior firefighting operations.
  • Must be in good health and moral character.
  • Must be a High School graduate or have a G.E.D.
  • Must hold a valid Drivers License and be able to obtain an Illinois class B non-CDL or equivalent.
  • Be able to pass a criminal background check and not have been convicted of any felonies. You must NOT have any criminal offenses on your record.
  • Be able to pass a driving record check.
  • Live within a reasonable response time to the station.
  • Be willing to pass a physical examination.
  • Be willing to submit to drug testing.
  • Be willing to commit the necessary time and effort to train and serve as a volunteer firefighter including attendance at in-house training sessions and the ability to respond to emergency calls.
  • Ability to operate in a "chain of command" structure.

Paid-Per-Call

SPFD members receive payment per call they respond to. The amount paid to each individual is based on the number of certificates/license they hold (EMT, BOFF-Basic Operational Firefighter, etc.). Pay amounts start at $20 per call. Contact us for more details.

After applying... What happens next?

A representative of the departments screening committee will review your application. The representative will usually call applicants to have an informal telephone interview. This gives us a chance to ask any questions brought out by the application, and allows you to ask any questions you may have. Then, an interview is scheduled. This interview will consist of the applicant, and the departments screening committee comprised of two department officers and three experienced firefighters. The Chief may participate in this interview, or a separate Chief’s interview may be scheduled. Once all of these steps are completed, the applicant’s application is discussed between representatives of the screening committee and the command staff. If it is decided that the applicant meets the required needs of the department, his/her application is then presented to the rest of the members for a final vote at the next department board meeting held on the last Tuesday of each month. If voted in, the applicant will be notified with an offer of a probationary position.

FAQs

Yes. Training is available in abundance. It is an ongoing process and a very high priority in our department. You will have the opportunity to learn new skills and expand your knowledge at in-house training sessions held Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm to around 9:00pm and on the second Saturdays of each month from 8:00am to 12:00pm.

Our instructors ensure that training is not only conducted in a safe and efficient manner, but that it remains a rewarding and enjoyable learning experience for our members.

Proof of current fire and/or EMS certifications, proof of experience as a paid or volunteer firefighter or EMS professional, letters of reference from fire professionals and proof of specialized skill training or experience will all help.

Our physical ability assessment is designed to help us (and you) decide if you are physically capable of performing under the circumstances which we typically operate. We do not expect candidates to possess any job-related expertise for this test. We will demonstrate any skills the candidate requires, and asking for a skills demonstration will in no way count against you. The test is designed to expose the candidate to heights, confined spaces, bunker gear, wearing an air mask, zero visibility work and lifting and/or moving heavy objects.

You will be expected to regularly attend Tuesday night training sessions, as well as a training held on the second Saturday of each month. You will also be expected to respond to as many calls as you can. Periodically, we have opportunities to participate in special events and fundraisers in our community and you will be expected to participate in as many of those as possible.

Members are expected to respond to every emergency call. However, we realize that you have other commitments in your life. If a work or family commitment stops you from responding to a call, we understand. We ask that members keep in mind that our primary purpose is to provide services for our citizens, and to be available to perform those services as often as possible. If your Officer develops a concern about your participation level, they will have a conversation with you about it. If it is determined that you are not willing or able to maintain a suitable level of availability, we may ask that you forfeit your position with the department.

You will receive training in may areas, compliant with ISFM curriculum and NFPA standards. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Use of self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
  • Search and rescue
  • EMS
  • Ropes and knots
  • Radio communications
  • Incident command
  • Pump operations and hydraulics
  • Hose handling
  • Ventilation
  • Fire prevention
  • Salvage and overhaul
  • Ladders
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Hazardous materials

NEXT STEP

Ready to apply?

Fill out the application in its entirety.

Completed applications may be dropped off in person to either the Fire Department or Village Hall located at 209 W Main St., South Pekin.

GET APPLICATION

still have questions

Contact us with any questions you may have about volunteering for the South Pekin Fire Department.

CONTACT US