Become a Member of the Southold Fire Department

Have You Got What It Takes?

When fire, disaster or medical emergency strikes in Southold, you take it for granted that your call for help will be answered. And it will be…but only because there are volunteers in Southold who willingly contribute their time and energy to keeping your community safe. These men and women come from every walk of life; they work and live all around you. They share an unselfish, often under appreciated commitment to being there…ready to serve… whenever a crisis occurs. That is truly being a good neighbor.

Are you that kind of neighbor? Are you ready to stand up and do your part when the alarm calls?

It isn’t a decision to take lightly. It calls for training, hard work and courage. But it can also be the most satisfying and rewarding thing you ever do.

What It Means To Volunteer

Whether you volunteer to become a firefighter or provide emergency medical services, you will be making a commitment of time—usually about seven or eight hours a week. In addition to going out on calls, you will spend time training, attending meetings, maintaining the equipment, and a variety of other duties. Of course, there is no limit to how much time you are willing to give.

Volunteering requires you to devote time to learning and maintaining skills. All your training will be provided, and once your training is complete, you will be expertly prepared to respond professionally as part of Southold’s first line of defense in time of crisis.

What Does It Take To Become A Volunteer?

To become a member of the Southold Fire Department you must be -

At least 18 years of age. There is no maximum age.

A resident of the Southold Fire District.

In good physical health.

Of sound moral character and prepared to fill a position of responsibility
and trust.

While not strictly requirements, experience shows us that successful volunteers are usually caring people who are concerned about their community and enjoy working as part of a team. You should also be the type of person who enjoys being challenged and learning new skills.

Volunteering Has Its Rewards

Volunteering can benefit you in many ways. Some rewards are personal. You will earn respect from everyone who learns you are a volunteer. You will gain immense pride from your accomplishments and the knowledge and skills you acquire from your training. Some of the strongest social ties you will ever make will be with your brother and sister volunteers. And, of course, there is little that can compare to the satisfaction that comes from doing an important job well while contributing to the security and welfare of your community.

There are material rewards as well. The volunteer services are valued at every level of society, and there are a variety of incentives available from the federal, state, and county governments, as well as your local fire and EMS companies.

These include:

• Property tax reductions
• State income tax benefits
• Free health checkups
• Free insurance
• College tuition reimbursement
• Service pensions
• Free equipment and training.
• Gym membership

How much time does it take to be a volunteer?

It varies from week to week, but on average you'll put in seven or eight hours. Many volunteers enjoy putting in more.

What will my training cost?

It will cost you nothing. Experienced, professional training will be made available to you.

How long will it be before I can make a genuine contribution?

Immediately. And your responsibilities will increase as you gain experience and training.