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Clendenin

Volunteer Fire Department

The Process

Becoming a volunteer with the Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department is a significant commitment of time and energy. We offer some great benefits and flexible schedules, but volunteering in the fire/EMS service is not for everyone. You’ll need focus and a passion for serving the community.

Whether you are coming in with years of experience or are new and seeking to join a progressive response organization, the initial steps are the same. Depending on when you apply and the volume of applicants within our department this process can take from 30 days up to 120 days.

Application Steps

  1. Complete our Application:
    • Our short form will be reviewed by our recruitment team and someone will connect with you about options and opportunities.
  2. Meet and Greet
    • If you are selected for the next step, you’ll be invited to a Meet & Greet to learn more about our organization and roles.
  3. Working Interview
    • During this time the applicant will be invited to the station on regular meeting and drill nights to work with the members and get first hand knowledge and views of what the department is about.
  4. Background Check and Drug Test
    • The applicant will need to go through a background check done with the WV state police, and pass a drug test.
  5. Probationary Status
    • Once the applicant has successfully completed all the requirements for being a new member they will be recommended to become a Probationary Firefighter to the membership.

First Steps as a New Member

There are a few key things that happen when you complete the process and are officially welcomed as a new member of the Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department:
  • You’ll be assigned to a mentor who will get you started riding along and getting to know the organization and its processes.
  • You’ll be welcomed at one of our monthly company meetings.
  • Our team will connect you with the required training opportunities if you come to us without experience or get you started on the path to be turned over on our fire, rescue and EMS services if you join us with experience.
Initial Training
If you do not have prior training and experience, you’ll need to take the following courses to be an operational member of our organization. These are not required to be an administrative or support volunteer.
  • Firefighter I (150+ hours)
  • Hazmat operations
  • Firefighter 2 (40 hours)
  • CVFD Rookie manual
The first two of these courses must be completed within 6 months of joining and the third and fourth within 12 months. Courses are provided free of charge to volunteers at locations throughout the region.
Expectation of Members

Once you have completed the core training courses and begun the turn out process to operate as a firefighter and/or EMT, we expect all the operational members to:

  • Complete all work for enrolled classes
  • Participate in regular drills, meetings, and special events
  • Proactively take new training opportunities
  • Be a positive member of our organization