This is taken from the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighter Association Page a link to the volunteerfirefighter.org regarding how to signup to volunteer.

Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters’ Association

Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighter Association

Founded in late 1800s, the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters’ Association (NSVFA) has been training and supporting emergency responders in the State of Nebraska for over 100 years. The NSVFA’s goals are to provide a unified voice for the fire and rescue services across the state, to provide advice and guidance pertaining to legislative issues, to encourage education and training within the fire/rescue service and to promote a communications network across the state. Their membership includes almost 7,500 volunteer emergency responders across the state. The NSVFA also supports the Nebraska Firefighter’s Museum and Education Center with monetary donations and an auction at their annual conference. Annually, NSVFA also provides training at the Nebraska State Fire School. The NSVFA represents Nebraska on the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).

Throughout Nebraska, firefighters are at risk because of the lack of volunteer firefighters to adequately protect people and property from fire and fire-related hazards. In 2010, Nebraska fire departments responded to 31,076 fire-related calls. Throughout the state, 89 percent of the fire departments depend on volunteer firefighters to sustain operations. In order to comply with NFPA 1720 standard, the Nebraska fire service estimates that it must increase the number of volunteer firefighters by over 25 percent, an addition of 3,127 new volunteer firefighters.

  • Around 85% of Nebraska’s Firefighters are volunteers. As turnover of volunteers increases, it is important that we recruit new volunteer emergency responders across the state.
  • No prior training or certifications are necessary to become a volunteer firefighter in Nebraska.
  • Fill out an application to become a volunteer emergency responder today!

Although local governments and departments establish different selection criteria, many departments require that volunteers:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Be healthy and in good physical condition
  • Complete basic fire & EMS training
  • Live in close proximity to the fire district
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Meet the minimum ongoing training requirements
  • Respond to a certain percentage of calls

Time requirements vary by department. Time commitment will depend on several factors, such as the number of calls the department receives, training requirements, shift versus on-call structure, and community activities in which the department requires volunteers to participate.

Volunteer departments prefer that volunteers have the ability to respond to calls 24 hours a day, although most departments still accept volunteers who are unable to leave work or other obligations to respond to a call.

Typically, departments pay for training and firefighting equipment. Volunteer firefighting is an unpaid position; however, some departments may provide stipends or reimburse volunteers for certain expenses.

 

Q: Do I have to live in the volunteer department’s district?
A: Yes. Some exception may apply, but in general you must live within the department’s district. Some departments may require that you live in the area for a minimum of one year prior to volunteering.
Q: Are there ongoing training requirements after the initial training?
A: Yes. There is both mandatory and optional training provided year round.
Q: What if I work during the day?
A: Many of our volunteers have full-time jobs yet still find it rewarding to serve the community as a firefighter. We are flexible with the time that you commit.
Q: How many calls does a typical volunteer respond to each month?
A: It varies depending on what district you live in. On average you can expect to dedicate between 20-40 hours a month.
Q: What if something happens to me?
A: You are covered by Nebraska workman’s compensation and department insurance. Please contact your local department for further information.
Q: What will the training and supplies cost me?
A: There is no cost to you. All necessary equipment, supplies and materials are paid for by the department
Q: Do volunteers receive any sort of compensation?
A: Benefits are available to those who participate. Benefits and requirements will be explained during your membership interview.
Q: Is there a minimum age requirement?
A: Yes, 18 to 21 years old with a clean record.
Q: What does the application process involve?
A: Click the Apply Now button, and fill out our online application. Once you pass our background investigation, you have an interview with the Chief.
Q: What is the typical time commitment once I’m a trained volunteer?
A: Time requirements vary by department. Time commitment will depend on several factors, such as the number of calls the department receives, training requirements, shift versus on-call structure, and community activities in which the department requires volunteers to participate.

Volunteer departments prefer that volunteers have the ability to respond to calls 24 hours a day, although most departments still accept volunteers who are unable to leave work or other obligations to respond to a call.
Q: How do I volunteer?
Contact your local Rural Fire District or City Hall.

They should be able to get you on your way.

You could also contact the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighter Association.

https://www.nsvfa.org/contact.htm

Nebraska State Fire Marshal training division.

http://www.nebraskasfmtd.org/SFMTDO_/AboutUs/ContactUs.aspx

or contact us we would be glad to help if we can!