VOLUNTEERING IN
CALIFORNIA
bENEFIT ADVANTAGES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS
The California State Firefighters’ Employee Welfare Benefits Corporation (CSFEWBC) was previously the benefits division of the California State Firefighters’ Association (CSFA). Today, CSFEWBC is offering benefits to ALL California emergency responders. For that reason, we’re now doing business as BAER (Benefit Advantages for Emergency Responders).
​
As a nonprofit corporation, BAER has long provided quality benefits and services to California Volunteer Emergency Responders, including Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. There is a great need for these benefits in the California Fire Service. BAER is committed to not only providing such benefits, but educating Volunteer Fire Departments and members about how to successfully enroll for these benefits to better protect all volunteers.
​
BAER has partnered with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA via a SAFER grant to continue offering valuable benefits and protection to all of California’s Volunteer Emergency Responders. In addition, BAER is looking to recruit a new generation of Volunteer Firefighters throughout the state.
The state of California is in need of more Volunteer Emergency Responders to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards.
​
With your help, California Volunteer Fire Departments can provide adequate protection by improving staffing and deployment capabilities, allowing Volunteer Emergency Responders to respond to emergencies more safely and effectively.
Although local governments and departments establish different selection criteria, many departments require that volunteers:
​
-
Be at least 18 years of age
-
Have a valid driver’s license
-
Be healthy and in good physical condition
-
Complete basic fire & EMS training
-
Live in close proximity to the fire district
-
Have a clean criminal record
-
Meet the minimum ongoing training requirements
-
Respond to a certain percentage of calls