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Frequently
Asked Questions
Q: The Old Saybrook Fire
Department is all
volunteer?
A: People are sometimes
surprised to hear
that we are indeed comprised of 100% volunteer members.
Q: What types of incidents
does the fire
department respond to?
A: We respond to
just about every type of
calamity imaginable. Structure
fires, car
fires, brush and trash fires, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous
materials incidents, marine rescue, boat fires, carbon monoxide
incidents, train accidents, and alarm activations are just some of the
calls we receive.
Q: How many calls does the
department get?
A:
For
the past several years we have averaged approximately 600 calls per
year, which works out to 11 to 12 calls per week.
Q: Is the department looking
for any more
volunteers?
A:
Yes! We are
actively seeking new people to join the
ranks of our current members.
Q: Why should I do
that…what’s in it for me?
A: Well, it’s definitely not
for everyone. But
if you like adventure, camaraderie, the
satisfaction of getting the job done, and the pure excitement of
rolling down Main Street in a fire engine to help those in need, you
just might be the person we’re looking for.
You’ll
get extensive, specialized training and become part of an outstanding
organization of men and women who share a common bond-the volunteer
spirit to help those who need it most.
There’s
also a town sponsored tax abatement program, and town sponsored pension
plan.
Q: But I’m really busy with
the kids, work, etc…I
can’t possibly commit the time.
A: It seems everyone is
busier than ever
nowadays, and the men and women of the Old Saybrook Fire Department are
no exception. We
all have jobs, most of us
have families, and some of us are attending school.
But we’re all able to find a few hours each
week to
devote to the department.
Q: I really don’t think I’d
fit in…I’m not that
type of person.
A:
What
type is that? Our
members come from all
walks of life. We
have men and women, high
school and college students, young single people, husbands and wives,
parents, (single parents too,) and even a few grandparents. We have professionals with
graduate degrees,
business owners, and “blue
collar guys.” The
old stereotypes of a volunteer fire
department just aren’t accurate anymore-if they ever were.
Q: What are the requirements
to be an Old
Saybrook Firefighter?
A: You must be at least 18
years of age, of good
moral character, be a resident of Old Saybrook, and be physically
capable of performing the duties of a firefighter.
Our application process is described in more
detail
below.
Q: What if I’m not yet 18
years old?
A: We have an outstanding
Junior Firefighter
program for those 15 to 18 years old.
Call
the fire department at 395-3149, and we’ll get you in touch with our
Junior Division advisor.
Q: Isn’t being a firefighter
dangerous?
A: There’s no sugarcoating
it-being a firefighter
can be dangerous. Your
job is to advance
towards an emergency situation which others are retreating from. There are natural,
personal, and mechanical
hazards, and you’ll be exerting yourself performing heavy manual labor. Like we said, this isn’t
for everyone. With
that in mind, however, we take training
very seriously. You’ll
participate in an
extensive probationary training program which, when completed, will
make you well qualified to perform the duties of a firefighter.
Q: Tell me more about the
training.
A:
If
you’re accepted as a probationary member, you’ll undergo about a year
of training in the fundamental aspects of firefighting duties. Topics you’ll study
include:
- Introduction
to the Fire Service
- Protective
Gear & SCBA
- Fire
Behavior
- Building
Construction
- Portable
Extinguishers
- Ropes
& Knots
- Rescue
& Extrication
- Ground
Ladders
- Forcible
Entry
- Ventilation
- Fire
Hose & Fire Streams
- Water
Supply
- Fire
Control
- Salvage
& Overhaul
- Fire
Alarms
- Fire
Prevention & Public Education
Your
probationary training will consist both of written and practical
(hands-on) study. At
the conclusion of
your probationary training, you will be required to pass both a written
and practical exam.
After
your probationary period, you will be able to take more detailed
courses in firefighting, emergency medical services, hazardous
materials, rescue techniques, and specific firefighting specialties
such as aerial operations, pump operations, and many others. There is virtually no
limit to the training
opportunities available to you.
Q: So how do I apply and
become a probationary
member?
A: Get in touch with the fire
department or see
an officer from our training division.
We’ll
get you an application to fill out.
You
must also sign a release for a background
investigation. If,
upon the review of your
application and background check, you are determined to be eligible,
you will then have a complete firefighter-specific physical exam,
which includes a screening for illegal substances.
Finally, you will
attend an oral interview with a panel of training officers. From there, the interview
panel will decide
whether to bring you to the company for a vote.
If
you’re accepted by the company, congratulations, you’re a probationary
member, or “probie.”
Q: What is being a probie
like?
A:
It’s a
time to learn the basics about firefighting and the department, and
there’s a lot to learn. You’ll
get your
hands dirty, and you’ll be doing some not-so-glamorous work like
rolling hose. It’s
a time to pay your dues
and show the members of the department what you’re made of. But don’t worry, there’s
nothing demeaning or
humiliating about it, and you’ll already be making a very real
contribution to the department.
Q: Can probies respond to
emergency calls?
A:
Absolutely! In
fact, responding to calls
is the best way to learn, and we want probies to make as many calls as
they can. You’ll be
given a full set of
gear and a pager upon your acceptance as a probationary member, and
from there, you’re encouraged to respond whenever the pager goes off!
Q: I’d like to help, but I
really don’t think
being a firefighter is for me. Are
there
other opportunities?
A: Of course.
We
have a support division made up of dedicated individuals who help out
in many areas, including:
- Fire
Police (Traffic and scene control at emergencies)
- Public
Relations & Public Information
- Stewards
- Computer
and administrative duties
- Newsletters
- Photography
Q: I think I’d like to be a
firefighter, but I’m
not sure. How can I
find out more?
A: We want to give you all
the information you
need to help you make your decision.
Send
an
email to recruit@oldsaybrookfire.com,
or stop in at the firehouse when you see people there.
We’ll be happy to answer your questions,
arrange for
you to watch a drill, and show you around the firehouse. You can also click the
“Members” button on the left
and check out the list of our current members.
Chances
are there’s a friend or neighbor of yours there.
Give
one of them a call and they’ll be happy to speak to you about the
department as well.
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