For easy printing, download this information in brochure format: Volunteer Information Brochure (PDF Format).
The fire service has a long and proud history, rich in heritage of dedication, unselfish sacrifice, and inspired human action that has been accumulated over three centuries. The long and noble tradition of rendering service in the time of need has established a heritage of which the firefighter can be justly proud.
Organized in 1945 under Title 52 Revised Code of Washington, Island County Fire district #1 (Camano Island Fire & Rescue) covers an area of 43 square miles, has 5 fire stations and is currently staffed by 28 career firefighter and paramedics, 30 part-time firefighters, over 35 volunteers and has an administrative staff that consists of three administrative assistants, two assistant chiefs and the District Chief. The District is overseen by a board of five commissioners. The District provides not only fire suppression service, but also advanced and basic medical response and transport, as well as marine and high angle rescue response.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Maintain a Washington State driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
- Turn in a completed application.
- Pass a firefighter physical exam and drug test. (District expense)
- Pass the physical agility test.
- Comply with the Policies and Standard Operating Procedures of the Fire District.
Before being assigned to a station, Camano Island Fire and Rescue trains firefighter recruits to the standards of Firefighter One, the national entry level for professional departments. This course includes both classroom and practical experience and culminates in a full day at the Washington State Fire Academy facilities at North Bend.
After the completion of initial training the recruit will train with their station for two to three hours each week on Tuesday evening to maintain and refine their skills. All initial and ongoing training costs for volunteers are covered by the fire department.
Volunteers must then become First Responders or an Emergency Medical Technician usually within a year of being certified as a firefighter. Volunteers wishing to join the Technical Rescue Division (to include Marine and High Angle Rescue) may do so after being accepted as a firefighting member of the department and by passing their medical training.
- Volunteers are eligible for a stepped Reimbursement program for attending and responding to emergencies.
- Volunteers qualify for the Washington State pension plan (Volunteer Firefighters' Relief and Pension Act).
- Volunteers qualify for a $50,000 life insurance program.
- Learn teamwork, responsibility and become a member of the family.
- Explore the possibilities of a career in firefighting or emergency medicine.
- Provide a skilled service to their community.
- Participate in the districts social events.
You will be participating in front line firefighting activities and/or medical calls and will most likely be exposed to the hazards normally associated with those responsibilities. Responding to 911 calls to deal with the various emergencies that may occur in the community will prove to be both physically and mentally taxing. Individuals are encouraged to consider this before applying.
We bring volunteers in as groups and train them in groups. If you are interested in volunteering, please call the District Office and we will take some information in order to notify you of the next Volunteer Orientation Meeting.
For additional information or to apply, please contact the District Office at (360) 387-1512.