Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Four Communities Fire Department.
 The FCFD is one of the only all-volunteer, first run Fire Stations in the County.
This means that unlike some volunteers that act mostly as backup or support for the paid firefighters, our volunteer firefighters are often first in, first on scene, and not just "hose rollers".

This means that we expect a lot from our volunteers.
Only candidates that demonstrate a commitment to the FCFD and the best traditions of the Fire Service will succeed.

If you are interested in applying, one of our Officers are normally at the Fire Station every Tuesday night, from 1800 (6:00pm) to 2100 (9:00pm) for training, and can assist you in processing your application.
Interested Applicants are welcome to come by the Fire Station whenever it is manned.
Normal training is every Tuesday night from 1800 (6:00pm) to 2100 (9:00pm), and Firefighter Candidate Orientation may be scheduled on additional nights as needed.
Business meetings are on the last Tuesday of every month at 1900 (7:00 pm)

The FCFD is contracted by Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) to provide services in it's primary and backup run areas.
Therefore our volunteers must comply with FCFD and BCFR policies and processes.
The application process can take 2 to 3 months, which is then followed by a probationary period.

Volunteer Firefighters :

There are no dues or membership fees for Firefighters, but there are minimum participation requirements in order to remain an active Firefighter, including supporting the FCFD Corporation.
Applicants and Candidates are STRONGLY urged to spend time at the Fire Station, during training, work details or when a crew is on duty, getting to know the active Firefighters, learning about the FCFD & our Standard Operating Guidelines, and familiarizing yourself with the apparatus and gear.

 

The Steps to becoming a Fully Qualified Volunteer Firefighter :

 When you first walk in the door, you are considered an "Applicant".
Firefighter Applicants must :

1. Submit an FCFD Firefighter Application

2. Complete an FCFD Chief's Interview

3. Submit a Brevard County Fire Rescue Application, along with photo-copies of your Florida Driver's License and Social Security Card.

4. Complete the Brevard County Fire Rescue Biographical Package

5. Pass a preliminary background check, and Driver History Check

6. Attend as many FCFD activities as possible (training sessions and business meetings.) If you are not personally referred to the Department by a member in good standing, a Review Board will meet with the applicant to obtain any needed background information. *

7. Be voted in by FCFD active membership at a following regular monthly business meeting. (This vote will be much easier if you have been around, and gotten to know the other members.)

Once you are voted in, you are considered a "Candidate" until County approval process is complete.
Firefighter Candidates must:

8. Attend at least 75% of all training, 50% of all Fundraisers, and 50% of all business meetings scheduled.*

9. Pass a Brevard County Physical Exam and drug test.

10. Complete BCFR's Blood Born Pathogens Training

11. Complete BCFR's Hazardous Materials Awareness Training

12. Pass a BCFR personal and criminal background investigation.

13. Possess a valid CPR certification (AHA, Red Cross, ASHE, etc)

14. Upon County approval, receive BCFR issued Firefighting gear (Bunker Pants & Coat, Nomex Hood, Fire Boots, Fire Gloves, Fire Helmet, Fanny Pack, Forestry Pants, Shirt and Boots, Goggles, etc)

Once you have been cleared by Brevard County, and issued gear, you are considered a "Probational Firefighter".
Probational Firefighters must :

15. Complete Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) and have at least a Class D Driver's License with "E" endorsement, or higher (such as a CDL).

16. Complete First Responder (or higher) EMS training.

17. Be an active Firefighter for at least 90 days (attend at least 75% of all training, 50% of all Fundraisers, and 50% of all business meetings scheduled.)

18. Graduate from a BCFR accepted "Firefighter 1" academy, or equivalent

19. Demonstrate essential fire fighting skills

20. Demonstrate complete mastery of the Fire Apparatus and all related gear

21. Demonstrate the ability to lead and supervise a group of Probational Firefighters in Fire and Rescue scenarios.

Once you have completed these steps, the Chief, in consultation with the senior Officers, will decide when you will be taken off probation, and become a "Senior Firefighter".
* Applicants and Candidates will be restricted from active participation in the more stressful physical training until such time as they have passed a physical examination, and possess the necessary PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

* Due to insurance regulations, Applicants and Candidates are not allowed to ride on Fire Apparatus or respond to emergency calls.

* Probational Firefighters are restricted from certain advanced activities, and must have appropriate markings on their helmet.

Firefighter Candidates may be assigned an active firefighter-mentor to assist in training and department orientation. Until a Candidate is voted in, he/she must sign-in as a visitor when at the Fire Station.



Support Members :

  • perform important non-firefighting roles,
  • help to guide and govern the Non-Profit Corporation that keeps the fire department functioning,
  • may serve as corporate officer and/or committee members
  • help at fundraisers, special functions, and our monthly Chicken BBQ
  • may choose to provide direct support services for firefighters, such as rehab at fire scenes (providing drinks, food and comfort during extended fire operations and training)
  • may choose to help manage our hall renals, or help with our community education and awareness programs,
  • become part of a proud tradition and family of fire service
There are nominal dues for Support Members of $10 per year, which offset some membership cost, and support the FCFD Corporation.
Applicants are urged to attend meetings, spend time at the Fire Station during training, work details or when a crew is on duty, getting to know the active Firefighters, learning about the FCFD & our Standard Operating Guidelines, and familiarizing yourself with the workings of the FCFD.

The Steps to becoming a Support Member :

1. Submit an FCFD Support Member Application

2. Meet with a Recruiting Officer or Board Member for Orientation

3. Pass a Background check/investigation

4. Attend a Bussiness Meeting, and be introduced to the membership

5. Complete a Review Board interview immediately following the Bussiness Meeting

5. Be voted in with a two-thirds majority at the next regular meeting