VOLUNTEERING In Vermont
Become a Volunteer Firefighter in Vermont
Serve Your Community. Save Lives. Make a Difference.
Across the state of Vermont, volunteer firefighters are the backbone of local emergency response. From the rural towns of the Northeast Kingdom to communities throughout the Green Mountains and the Champlain Valley, thousands of residents depend on volunteer firefighters when emergencies happen. But today, many Vermont fire departments are facing growing recruitment challenges—and communities need more people willing to step forward and serve
The Need for Volunteer Firefighters in Vermont
Vermont’s fire service relies heavily on volunteers to protect communities across the state.
- Vermont has approximately 240 fire departments statewide, serving towns and villages across the state.
- Nearly 80–90% of Vermont firefighters serve as volunteers, making volunteerism the foundation of the state’s fire service.
- The state has roughly 5,000 volunteer firefighters protecting communities across Vermont.
- Many small towns rely almost entirely on volunteer fire departments for fire protection and emergency response.
These firefighters respond to a wide range of emergencies, including fires, motor vehicle crashes, medical incidents, hazardous conditions, and severe weather events. However, like many states across the country, Vermont has experienced a decline in volunteer firefighter participation over the past two decades. At the same time, emergency call volumes continue to increase. These trends create increasing pressure on local departments to maintain adequate staffing.
Simply put: Vermont communities need more volunteer firefighters.
Why You Should Become a Volunteer Firefighter
Becoming a volunteer firefighter is one of the most meaningful ways to serve your community. When emergencies happen, you’ll be there to help your neighbors when they need it most. You’ll gain valuable skills and training that can benefit your career and everyday life. You’ll also build lifelong friendships while making a real impact. Few volunteer opportunities allow you to make such an immediate and meaningful difference in people’s lives.
You don’t need experience to start. Take the first step today!
The need for Volunteer Firefighters in Vermont has never been greater. By stepping up and getting involved, individuals like you can make a lifesaving difference in your community. No prior training or certifications are necessary to apply.
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, and 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.
​Most Volunteer Departments will accept volunteers who are unable to leave work or have other obligations to respond to a call. In fact, many departments in Vermont offer overnight and weekend programs for volunteers who want to contribute their time, but can’t break away from their obligations during the work week.
Volunteer Firefighters do not receive a traditional salary, however many departments offer financial incentives and benefits to support their service. Compensation varies by department, but common forms include:
- Stipends & Reimbursements
- Tax Incentives & Pension Plans
- Tuition Assistance
- Insurance & Health Benefits
- Professional Training & Career Advancement
- Non-Monetary Rewards
While Volunteer Firefighting isn't a paid job in the traditional sense, the benefits - both financial and personal - make it a rewarding commitment. Many departments are working to improve compensation and incentives to attract and retain volunteers.
STATE RESOURCES
VolunteerFirefighter.org works with numerous fire associations to provide added resources and benefits to our Volunteer Fire Departments. Click the links below to learn more.
