Minimum Training Standard

The District hereby establishes Firefighter I as the minimum training standard for all volunteer members. All volunteer members must provide the District with proof of certification at the Firefighter I level, in accordance with NFPA Standard 1001.

Current volunteer members who are unable to provide evidence of certification will be given up to twelve (12) months from the date of this announcement to enroll in a recognized Firefighter I or Firefighter I & II certification course. Following successful enrollment, uncertified volunteer members will be given a maximum of eight (8) months to successfully complete the recognized course and obtain certification at no less than the Firefighter I level. Those who are unable to obtain this required certification within the allotted time frame will be dropped from the District's volunteer roll.

Those members who successfully obtain said certification during the aforementioned time frame may apply to the District for reimbursement of tuition expenses. Reimbursement of tuition shall be contingent upon the volunteer signing a contract whereby he/she agrees to serve the District in their present capacity for no less than seven hundred and fifty (750) hours of service during the next twelve-month period. Should the application for reimbursement be approved, the twelve-month period of service shall commence from the date of the reimbursement application.

Applicants for the position of volunteer firefighter must complete a District application and accompany it with copies of the following documents: (1) high school diploma or GED, (2) Social Security card and (3) a valid Missouri driver's license. Applicants must also submit to and pass a background check.

Upon appointment to volunteer status, personnel shall be scheduled to attend an Orientation Course. Included in this course shall be classes covering the following subjects: District Organization & Structure, District Maps & Streets, District Public Relations, and apparatus familiarization.

Upon completion of the Orientation Course, the probationary volunteer shall be issued a full set of personal protective clothing, a District T-shirt, and an accountability tag.

Upon successful completion of the Orientation Course, the probationary volunteer shall: (1) serve no less than a six month probationary period and no more than an eighteen month probationary period, (2) successfully enroll and complete to certification a recognized Firefighter I or Firefighter I and II certification course, (3) serve no less than twenty-four hours of station time each month, (4) pass a written examination over the District's protocols and policies, (5) be given, at District expense, the Hepatitis B series of vaccinations and a Tuberculosis test, and (6) not be required to attend District training sessions during their enrollment in and attendance at a recognized Firefighter I course.

Policy No.  280  Issued  6/29/2000  Applicable  6/29/2000