 Become a Volunteer Firefighter or EMS Provider
Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Join the St. James Fire Department (SJFD) team as a volunteer Firefighter or Emergency Medical Service (EMS) provider. Experience the fulfillment of serving others while enjoying a range of benefits and free training.
Why Join SJFD?
- Comprehensive Training: Receive top-notch training at no cost, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any emergency.
- Valuable Benefits: Enjoy various benefits that come with being part of our dedicated team.
- Meaningful Rewards: Experience the profound satisfaction that comes from helping your community in times of need.
About St. James Fire Department
The St. James Fire Department proudly serves the Saint James and the Village of Head of the Harbor communities, providing essential fire suppression and rescue services. Our team is primarily composed of dedicated volunteers, supported by professional EMS staff, ensuring we respond to alarms 24/7, 365 days a year. With over 1,300 emergencies handled annually, SJFD is committed to safeguarding our community with excellence and professionalism.
Ready to Join Us?
Find out more and submit your application today! Become a part of a respected team that makes a real difference every day. Your community needs you! For any questions please contact us at join-us@stjamesfd.org.
Membership Types & Benefits
Firefighter
- Certification Requirements: Must obtain Firefighter I certification from the Suffolk County Fire Academy within two years of joining.
- Existing certifications from other departments or states may be accepted if approved by the Suffolk County Fire Academy.
- Training: Free training provided for Firefighter I, CPR, and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
- Certification Requirements: Must obtain EMT-B certification from the Suffolk County EMS Council within two years of joining.
- Only EMT-B certification is required; firefighter training is not necessary.
- Existing EMT-B, EMT-CC, or EMT-P certifications from other departments or states may be accepted if approved by the Suffolk County EMS Council.
- Training: Free training provided for AHA BLS, ACLS, and PALS.
Junior Firefighters
- Eligibility: Boys and girls ages 13 through 17.
- Training: Attend classroom and hands-on training, similar to full members.
- Taught CPR and Basic First-Aid skills.
- Equipment: Provided with all necessary firefighting gear, including turnout jacket and pants, safety glasses, helmet, gloves, boots, and a full dress uniform.
- Advancement: Eligible to become regular firefighters at age 17 after one year of training in the Junior program.
Uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment
- Provided Gear: All uniforms and turnout gear are provided free of charge, including the latest technology in firefighting/EMS gear and a dress uniform.
Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) and Property Tax Reduction
- LOSAP: Designed to retain and reward volunteer firefighters for years of service.
- Property Tax Reduction: Eligible for a tax reduction on property taxes after five years of active service.
Suffolk Educational Program for Retention in the Volunteer Emergency Service (SERVES)
- Program Overview: Provides tuition reimbursement for student-volunteers serving in Suffolk County.
- Eligibility: Up to 120 credit hours at a New York State Education Department-approved college or university within Suffolk County.
- Full-time students eligible for reimbursement based on a sliding scale of grades.
- Application Information: Visit Suffolk’s Bravest and download the current SERVES guide for details.
NYS Certified Firefighter I / NYS Certified EMS Training
- Firefighter Training: Graduates of the Suffolk County Fire Academy become NYS Certified Firefighter I.
- EMS Training: EMS and firefighter members can become NYS Certified EMT-B after completing a course at the Suffolk County EMS Council.
By joining, you will receive extensive training, gear, and benefits that support your commitment and service to the community.
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