Volunteer with Graham Fire & Rescue

We are not accepting applications at this time.

We will not be holding a volunteer recruitment in 2023.

Our volunteer program provides hands-on experience for individuals interested in serving their community via the fire service. Graham Fire & Rescue conducts volunteer firefighter academies, as needed by the District.

Volunteer Program Minimum Requirements

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
  • Must have a valid Washington driver’s license
  • Must pass background investigation process including post-offer medical exams.
  • Must complete physical ability test (CPAT).
  • For “Respond from home volunteers” you must live within 5 miles of Station 92. Station 92 is located at 14817 Kapowsin Hwy E, Graham WA 98338. (Resident volunteers have no requirements to live near Graham, WA.)

The Path to Becoming a Graham Fire & Rescue Volunteer

The path to volunteering looks like this:

  • Submit application during open volunteer recruitment period. Open recruitments are posted on our website.
  • Attend orientation session upon invitation.
  • Written examination.
  • Oral interview process.
  • Conditional Offers extended to top candidates.
  • Thorough background check process and post-offer medical examinations.
  • Physical Ability Test.
  • Board of Commissioners approval.

Selected individuals will be required to complete the following duties prior to becoming combat-ready volunteers:

  • Academy
  • Graduation
  • Station and/or Shift Assignment
  • Division Transition Meeting

What to expect after turning in your volunteer application:

When an application period is announced and open, once application period closes, you can expect an email invitation to a virtual orientation that will explain what it means to volunteer as a firefighter at Graham Fire & Rescue.

You will learn the training that takes place, the different kinds of assignments, and what a typical day for a volunteer firefighter looks like for our organization. You will also learn the time that will need to be dedicated to going to the volunteer academy.  It is after the orientation meeting applicants decide whether or not they want to move forward with the volunteer testing process.

After the orientation web meeting finishes, within a month you can then expect to take a written examination. Examination notifications will be sent to you via email, so please make sure you’ve added Graham Fire & Rescue as a safe sender in your email program.

Applicants that obtain a passing score will be invited to a Chiefs Interview. Once all interviews are completed and testing scores are tabulated, top candidates will receive a conditional offer, and move forward with a thorough background investigation process.

Once a background is passed, the candidate is informed of their orientation start date. After orientation concludes they will be directed to schedule an appointment with our Logistics Division for gear fittings.

Training Division personnel then contact the new volunteer with their training schedule and information.

Firefighting Positions

The volunteer firefighter must be able to follow standard policies, procedures, guidelines, and safety rules. He/she must participate in required training drills to attain and maintain necessary skills in fire suppression, life safety, rescue and property conservation operations.

The individual will maintain, check, and test apparatus, equipment, and facilities as assigned. Participate in community activities, public education, fire watches, station tours, and other events that require positive public interaction. Write and submit required reports by computer for emergency and non-emergency activities. Respond to alarms and perform firefighter duties including, but not limited to, the use of hoses, pumps, equipment, emergency apparatus, and tools.

Graham Fire & Rescue currently offers two programs to those individuals interested in firefighting: a resident program and a respond-from-home program.

Graham Fire & Rescue Chaplain Program

The mission of the Chaplain Program is to provide support to our firefighters, their families and to the community. Graham Fire & Rescue currently has four dedicated community volunteer Chaplains who provide the following services to our community and fellow members:

  • Provide aftermath assistance, freeing up operation personnel for other emergency duties;
  • Provide comfort, counsel and education to those experiencing loss;
  • Assist in contacting family members;
  • Assist in notification of clergy;
  • Assist with “Red Cross” notification and arrangements.