What are the standard qualifications?
You must:

Be at least 18 years of age or older. 
Be a High School Graduate or have a GED
Have a valid driver’s license. 
Have the legal right to work in the U.S. 
Be able to pass a FBI background check. 

What does the application process involve?
Typically:

Completing an application form. 
Going through a background check. 
Being interviewed. 

What are the time commitments?
A frontline firefighter must pass local, state, and often national certifications to perform interior structural firefighting. That can take a great deal of training time. Monthly meetings are also required. BSFD meets every Monday night, 1st Monday of the month will be a business meeting, the others are training meetings. 

Are there any costs and out-of pocket expenses?
No! Gear and equipment are provided at no cost. The same applies to the training.

How does a new volunteer get trained?
There are different ways new volunteers can get trained: Taking classes at the South Carolina Fire Academy, taking classes given at a local department or going through an online course at a computer terminal. Regardless of the method, setting convenient times and accommodating schedules are always considered.

What do new recruits do until they’re trained?
Firefighting is much more than being on a nozzle flowing water at a fire. The modern fire department needs assistance in numerous safety, training, house keeping, maintenance, and community activity areas.

Are there any monetary benefits?
While volunteer firefighters are not paid, the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association offers a number of benefits to the local departments that have monetary value for their volunteers. LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program) is a type of a retirement program. The departments contribute to LOSAP on behalf of their volunteers and the volunteers can draw on that money when they retire. Volunteers also get  life and disability insurance. Additionally, volunteer firefighters can obtain a $3,000 state income tax reduction.

What’s the biggest hurdle to deal with?
Time! Our lives have gotten busier juggling personal, family and job demands. Higher standards have increased training requirements. While the upside is greater safety and effectiveness and professionalism, it’s important to be realistic about the time commitment.

What reasons motivate people to volunteer?
In 2004, the Public Safety Institute at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia conducted a survey to help identify the answers to that question. The top three reasons were: Response to emergencies, helping neighbors, and family tradition.

There are other reasons. Some are broad:

be part of a team 
social opportunities with members 
learning and challenge 
career development

And some reasons are personal:

feel needed 
sense of obligation to the community 
my neighbor is one 
I was helped and want to give back



For Boiling Springs firefighters, we all agree that our pride and satisfaction in serving our communities are indescribable!


GET Started:  Call 1-864-578-6200

Or e-mail:  Asst Chief Scott Miller
 


there was no volunteer fire department in your community?
WHO would put out fires?
WHO would rescue people in harm's way?
WHO would provide prevention and safety information that can stop emergencies from happening in the first place?

What kinds of people become volunteers?
People like you! Whether as firefighters, emergency medical technicians, drivers, or administrative support staff, you can contribute your skills and a heart for service.

What's required to become a firefighter?
Selflessness, safety, being a team player, integrity, honesty, fitness, courage, caring, compassion, commitment, and competence. The competence will come from training to ensure a job done safely and effectively.

Why do firefighters love what they do?
Helping people, saving lives, protecting property, sense of family and camaraderie with other firefighters, the challenges, the opportunity to keep developing new skills, and the respect and appreciation from the community.


What if.....
Headquarters
186 Rainbow Lake Rd.
Boiling Springs, SC 29316
Station 2
325 Mountain View Rd.
Boiling Springs, SC 29316