Fire Department
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s
How Do I Become A Volunteer Firefighter?
Well….pretty simple, just go down to any local Fire Station and ask for an
application on how to become a Volunteer Firefighter. Be prepared for an
answer like….
A. We are not hiring right now!
B. Riverside doesn’t have volunteers anymore!
C. We don’t have volunteers here at this station!
D. We are full!
Don’t worry though; you can still be a Volunteer Firefighter!
Simply email us info@volunteerfire.net and we’ll point you to
the right direction and/or get you on our list for becoming a
Volunteer Firefighter in Riverside County!
Will I have to undergo a Criminal Background check?
YES! Volunteer Firefighters are always held to a higher standard
than what the State of California requires and that will include a
criminal background check, DOJ fingerprints, W9 form for the
Department of Homeland Security and even a physicians’ evaluation.
So be prepared for a lengthy process.
How much will my uniform cost me?
This really depends….Volunteer Firefighters are NOT REQUIRED to wear
uniforms, badges, boots etc unless the Department (county/state/vfc)
provides it to you, so technically you can wear a pair of jeans, your t-shirt,
and a good ol pair of vibram sole boots if you really wanted too!
BUT!! We all know that “someone” somewhere is going to want to tell
you that is wrong, well then, just ask them “where is my uniform allowance
stipend” then? We guaranteethings will quite down quite a bit then!! LOL!
Really though, if you want to “fit in” you’re welcome to purchase your uniform
at any uniform store that sells the appropriate shirts/pants etc. Expect to pay
around $500 or more for pants/shirt/t-shirt/belt/boots/socks/name tag and
any other items you would like. Be sure to keep your receipt and write it off
on your taxes as a “business expense” or “donation” to the VFC, State or
County Fire Department.
Do Volunteer Firefighters get paid?
This depends again….as of 2010 Volunteer Firefighters would submit an
FC-42 pay slip (State form) to receive compensation for fires/hazmat/special
event incidents. Pay rates would vary upon what level of firefighter you were.
Unfortunately the push by the CDF/RCFD hierarchy has thrust this whole
pay scale into limbo! Combine that with the State & County being broke,
as well as Cities like Moreno Valley laying off career staff you probably
shouldn’t count on this to pay your monthly bills.
So simple answer…. NO, there isn’t any pay right now!
If I am accepted as a Volunteer Firefighter in Riverside County will I
have representation?
NO! Part of the “fine print” in the push by the CDF/RCFD to “help organize”
the Volunteer firefighters of this county was to eliminate the most powerful
tool available to them, and that is the right to proper representation!
Should you come across a situation in which you feel that you are being
harassed, ridiculed, or forced into a situation which you are uncomfortable
with or simply feel that your treatment was uncalled for please be sure to
take the following steps….
· DOCUMENT everything said, the events that happened, who said them,
times, places, and most importantly what was YOUR version of what
happened!
· Request any documents, recordings, evidence against you to be furnished
ASAP. Make sure your make your request in writing, and that you
“carbon copy (cc)” the superior officer/chief of the person you are in
contention with, and a person outside of the department, preferably your
personal attorney on retainer, Riverside County Legal Counsel, or even a
friend! You need to make sure there are other “eyes” in this situation.
The more involved the better!
· FIREFIGHTER BILL OF RIGHTS – make sure you read, carry with you, and
know this bill!! It is and will be your shield as a firefighter for you out
there. Know it.
· Make sure you have an attorney on retainer if you feel that your
situation could be progressing to a breaking point
· DO NOT have any meetings without an outside third party there to
witness and/or validate what transpired or request that the meeting
be recorded by all parties involved for validation purposes.
· Contact a State of California Volunteer Organization to see if they
are willing to assist in any shape, form, or fashion. This one is a long
shot, but document your request and cross your fingers.
Miracles can happen!
Keep in mind that as an employee of the Riverside County Fire Department
you can…..WHOA! Wait a second here…..did someone just say that?!?
(cough cough) um….well here is the skinny, if you have been accepted into
the department, in other words you have completed the following…
A. Completed the County approved employee application
B. Undergone criminal background check, DOJ, I9 form etc
C. Passed your health questionnaire
D. Told that you are “required” to wear a uniform during your “shift”
E. Instructed that you are required to work a “shift” of 12/24 hours and
that if you fail to meet your shift requirements you will be “FIRED”
F. Required to obtain and maintain a certain level of training or risk
being “fired” or “let go”
G. Been told that adverse action can and will be taken against you for any
reason/failure to adhere to certain rules and regulations
Then guess what folks?? You’re an employee!! Of course it would be best
that you allow your attorney to fire off a letter to Sacramento/County Legal
to seek further clarification, but one would venture to say that you will have
better odds than the California Lottery!
Long story short…have an attorney on retainer.
If you need assistance contact us.
I just want to be an Auxiliary Member of the local Volunteer Fire Company,
is that possible?
YES! If all you want to do is assist with fundraising efforts, do public functions
such as pancake breakfasts, parades, and open houses, you are more than
welcome to become a member of the Local Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary.
Even though you might be told that “Volunteers” are no longer around
(which is false) the non-profit 501c3’s are very much active! Be sure to
inquire at your local fire house about the Volunteer Firefighter Auxiliary
Program, it’s a great way to give back to the community!
As a Volunteer Firefighter and Resident of Riverside County can I speak
with my local elected officials?
YES! As a resident of the County of Riverside you are welcome at any time to
speak with your elected representatives about anything that you feel is
important. Just because you happen to be a Volunteer Firefighter does not
preclude you from speaking to your elected officials, or even running for
public office! (refer to the Firefighter Bill of Rights!)
Of course with most elected officials be sure to make an appointment with the
person you seek to speak to and/or contact them/their office via email if you
are able too!
Many local Mayors/City Council/Assembly members would love to hear
your concerns; after all, they are YOUR ELECTED representatives.
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