Volunteers Needed!
Volunteer with CHC
Becoming a Firefighter, EMT, Driver, or Auxiliary Member with the Citizens Hose Company is a very rewarding and challenging way to give back to our community. We always need more help! Citizens Hose Company offers many ways to give back to the community including:
Firefighters: Membership as a firefighter is available to persons 16 years of age or older. (see restricted youth duties below) Many people think that they're too old and that being a firefighter is all about young guys charging into burning buildings. Not true! There are many ways to serve your community as a firefighter such as:
• Exterior Firefighter: An exterior firefighter performs most of the tasks of an interior firefighter, but does not wear a self-contained breating apparatus (SCBA). These types of firefighters hook up hydrants, stretch hoses, place ground ladders, and assist at motor vehicle accidents.
• Fire Police Officer: Fire Police Officers direct traffic and protect emergency workers at fires or accident scenes. Fire Police Officers also assist at special events like parades. Fire Police Officers must be at least 18 years of age.
Pump Operator: A pump operator is a type of exterior firefighter who is 19 years of age or older who has taken a pump operation course in addition to training as an exterior (or interior) firefighter. The pump operator drives the fire truck to the scene and operates the pump panel which controls the flow of water from the truck.
Interior Firefighter: An interior firefighter performs all of the duties of an exterior firefighter, but also wears an SCBA and engages in firefighting activities inside the building that is on fire. Extenisive and demanding training is required before certification as an interior firefighter can be achieved. An interior firefighter must be between 18 and 55 years of age.
Other requirements for Firefighters:
• Be in good physical health, and able to lift 80lbs without assistance
• Submit to a physical exam which includes pumonary function testing (free of charge)
• Complete an appropriate fire training program according to the duties you wish to fulfill
• Completion and maintenance of CPR certification
• Participation in regularly scheduled training
Under 18 Membership: Youth under 18 years of age are eligible to join Citizens Hose Company as supression firefighters and rescue workers with limited duties. There are a few unique aspects to this position including:
• Parental consent and support is required
• Youth members are not able to drive apparatus or operate machinery. NYS Labor laws are strictly enforced.
• Youth members may not perform interior structural firefighting. Members under 18 years of age will receive the same training as firefighters over 18, but may ot engage in interior structural firefighting until after they have reached 18 years of age.
• Members under 18 years of age must maintain a minimum grade point average, may not respond to calls after 22:00 hours on a school night, and may not leave school to attend a fire department function.
EMS Drivers: Membership as a driver is available to persons age 19 or older. There are a few requiremenst for volunteering as a driver:
• You must possess and maintain a valid and clean NYS driver's license
• Drivers are required to obtain CPR certification (provided by CHC at no cost)
• Drivers also complete a comprehensive internal clearance program including ambulance operations, radio procedures, and safe driving techniques.
Emergency Medical Technicians: Membership as an EMT (or if you'd like to become an EMT) is available to persons age 18 or older. There are a few requirements to be an EMT:
• Be in good physical health, and able to lift 80lbs without assistance
• Completion of the NYS Department of Health EMT course (free for members of the Company)
• Completion and maintenance of CPR certification
• Participation in regularly scheduled training
Volunteer Auxiliary: The Auxiliary supports the operations of Citizens Hose Company on emergency scenes and at the firehouse as well. Membership in the auxiliary is open to anyone age 16 or older.
Below, you will find a copy of our company By-Laws and an application for membership. (coming soon) Please print the application, fill it out, and return to CHC at:
5 Sheldon St
Shortsville, NY 14548
For more information on training click here.
(The application and by-laws require Adobe Acrobat) 
