The Etna Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for aggressive, dedicated people to join our team.
The initial application process includes a background check and typically takes two months to process. During that time, any potential members are encouraged to participate in other department activities.
Once your application has been approved, you will be on probation for a period of one year and will be required to complete 40 hours of in-house training as well as complete Essentials of Fire Fighting I at the Allegheny County Fire Training Academy at North Park. In addition to the training requirements, members are required to attend 1/3 of all fund raising activities during their probationary period. Once you have met the requirements of the department, at the end of your one-year probationary period, you may be voted to full active status.
During your second year of membership, you will be required to complete the Basic Vehicle Rescue course.
All training, equipment and insurance is provided to all members at no cost to the member. We recommend that you participate in any classes in which you feel beneficial to your advancement in the fire service and not to just finish the required courses.
There are many opportunities for advancement and responsibility on both the operational and executive side of the department. There are a few different membership levels to suit each individual.
Active Membership - Must be at least 18 years old at time of application. Active members must participate in 8 hours of in-house training per quarter, take 1 company approved course at the Fire Academy, and participate in at least 1/3 of all fund raising activities each year. Active members are able to participate in emergency responses but will not be allowed to enter any hazardous areas until completion of the Essentials course. Requirements vary for Fire Officers.
Fire Police - Must be at least 18 years old at time of application. Fire Police members must participate in 10 hours of training per year, and participate in at least 1/3 of all fund raising activities each year.
Life Membership - After fulfillment of 20 years of service to the department, all active members will acquire Life Member status. Life members retain all of the benefits of active membership except without the participation requirements (unless running for office), at which point they will be required to fulfill the the membership requirements as an Active Member.
Honorary Membership - Must be at least 18 years old at time of application. Honorary members must participate in at least 1/3 of all fund raising activities and do not participate in emergency responses.
Junior Membership - Must be between the ages of 14 and 18 years old at time of application. Juniors will not partake in emergency responses, unless the officer in charge deems it appropriate. Junior years are the time to learn. Juniors should participate in any and all training courses with the department as well as any eligible courses at the Fire Academy without affecting their scholastic requirements. All juniors must submit a work permit in order to join and also must submit school report cards. Any junior whom we feel that their grades are suffering due to fire department activities, will not be permitted to participate in department activities until such grade improve.
Industrial Membership - Must be at least 18 years old at time of application and must already have completed fire service training from another department. Industrial members are firefighters who are able to help out during the daylight responses between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm Monday thru Friday ONLY. They are not required to participate in any training and fund raising activities and do not receive a key to the building.
Associate Membership - Must be at least 18 years old at time of application. Associate members are not required to participate in any training and fund raising activities but must possess a skill which will benefit the department.
Click here for a copy of our Membership Application.