HVFD is Recruiting New Volunteers and Offers Firefighter 1 Training

Homer Volunteer Fire Fighter working active blaze.

Do you want to give back to your community? Have you seen the “now recruiting” sign at the Fire Hall and you’ve wondered about joining?  Now is your chance. 

The Homer Volunteer Fire Department is recruiting for its 2021 Firefighter I Class.  The training starts October 18, 2021 and ends February 5, 2022, with breaks during the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays. This will be a joint class with our neighboring departments, Kachemak Emergency Services (KESA) and Western Emergency Services (WES). Class includes lectures and hands-on training evenly mixed throughout and ends with a live burn day out at the training trailers.

Volunteer firefighting is one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have -- volunteers make up of 75% of the department and are essential for effective response to the over 650 calls HVFD gets annually.

No prior experience or certifications are required. Our volunteers come in all shapes and sizes --the most important qualification is motivation, a true desire to help your fellow residents and your community. If you like a challenge, are over the age of 18 (or will be by the end of the class), and are physically up to the task, we welcome you to join our team.

Back of Homer Volunteer Firefighter aiming fire hose at flames.

The Firefighter I Recruit Class, taught by fire service professionals, will meet every Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 pm - 10 pm and Saturdays from 9 am until 5 pm.  The class qualifies attendees to take both the written and practical examinations for the State of Alaska and for National Certification. Class locations will be specified in the syllabus.  

After you are certified, we ask that you volunteer for a year to transfer your training into experience.

During class you will be a member of HVFD, attend trainings outside of class to see how the department works, and meet our fun, supportive HVFD family. Friendship and camaraderie are significant benefits of being a firefighter. Another benefit is the training provided throughout your service, which is not only applicable to firefighting; it is useful in all aspects of a person’s life, including other jobs and home life.

For more information call the station at 235-3155 or drop by for an application/information packet. Staff is happy to answer any questions you may have.  The application is also available online at https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/fire/training-opportunities.