Letter from the Fire Chief

Fire Corps 2007

Fire service volunteers have changed a lot over the years.  The contemporary volunteer firefighter is required to meet all of the same fitness, training and safety mandates required of a full time career firefighter.  Over the years, this has changed the demographics of volunteer firefighters from people who work and operate local businesses and respond to fires when they occur to current day firefighter “interns”, known as Paid Call Firefighters, who are looking for a fire service career. 

The volunteer needs of the fire district have also evolved.  Scotts Valley now participates in a State and National fire service volunteer effort known as Fire Corps.  Fire Corps volunteers are not the traditional firefighters, but rather volunteers that help with other programs and projects that would otherwise go undone.  Examples include working with Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) on disaster planning, administrative assistance in the office, public relations, fire safety education, historian to document the District’s history and training material librarian.   The intent is to give people who have a desire to volunteer to fit their skills for the right job and to benefit the District.  A side benefit is to build a closer relationship between the District and community members that we serve.

There are no special skills required; just those that a person already has and some training will be provided for unique jobs.  Hours are completely flexible and the amount of time commitment is adjustable based on availability.  A background security check is required.

Interested in learning more?  Information and applications are on the District’s web site at www.scottsvalleyfire.com or call for a time to meet to discuss the opportunities.