VOLUNTEERING IN
texas
State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association
Organized in 1876, the State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association (SFFMA) is Texas’ oldest and largest fire association serving the fire and emergency service responders of Texas and beyond. SFFMA has the support of over 1,200 fire departments, 22,000 individual members, 80 industrial fire brigades, EMS and international departments.
The association is extremely active in legislative efforts that affect the fire service in Texas, and has been successful in getting legislation passed which greatly affects the Texas emergency service responders.
Each year, the Texas fire season seems to grow longer! As local emergencies rise, we need more volunteers to step up and help. With your support, Texas Volunteer Fire Departments can keep making a positive impact in the community.
Think you have what it takes to be a Volunteer Firefighter? Apply today to get started!!
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
Time requirements vary by department. Time commitment will depend on several factors, such as the number of calls the department receives, training requirements, shift versus on-call structure, and community activities in which the department requires volunteers to participate.
Volunteer Departments prefer that volunteers have the ability to respond to calls 24 hours a day, although most departments still accept volunteers who are unable to leave work or other obligations to respond to a call.
Typically, departments pay for training and firefighting equipment. Volunteer firefighting is an unpaid position; however, some departments may provide stipends or reimburse volunteers for certain expenses.
STATE RESOURCES
VolunteerFirefighter.org works with numerous fire associations to provided added resources and benefits to our Volunteer Fire Departments. Click the links below to learn more.
