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June 6, 2006
Shelley Szafraniec
Community Information Specialist

VOLUSIA COUNTY FIRE SERVICES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Structure fire, wildfires and hurricane season are good reminders of the need for individuals, communities and businesses to take preparedness seriously. Volusia County Fire Services responds to disasters year round and has many opportunities for involvement.

Communications Team
Members of this team operate Volusia County Fire Services' 40-foot mobile command and communications unit. This critical component of an emergency response is used at (or near) an emergency incident. Training is weekly and covers communication equipment and procedures.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
What began in 1999 now has grown to more than 450 trained CERT volunteers thanks, in large part, to the support of local residents and the Volusia County Council. CERT volunteers receive 21 hours of training in eight different modules - fire safety, first aid I and II, search and rescue, Incident Command System (ICS), terrorism, preparedness and home safety. Volunteers also have the ability to receive continuing education in first responder training and CPR certification. Following the basic CERT curriculum, volunteers are trained in basic rescuer safety to gain skills to assist and protect neighbors during an emergency situation prior to the arrival of first responders.

Fire Explorer Program
Sanctioned by the Boy Scouts of America, this program is open to 14-18 year olds. These youth train several times a month to learn basic firefighting, medical first responder skills and how to work as a team during everyday and crisis situations. Fire Explorers are not permitted to enter high-risk areas at emergency scenes. However, they may provide support on an incident in areas deemed safe. Members of this program have the opportunity to learn lifesaving skills, meet peers with similar interests and leave the program prepared for pursing a career in fire services if desired.

Fire Police
With no advance training needed, these critical volunteers assist firefighters and other rescue personnel with traffic and crowd management at various incidents, primarily motor vehicle accidents. These volunteers attend an eight-week training followed by 50 hours of fire police training. Members train one night a week.

Fire Prevention Team
Assisting with local fire prevention efforts for more than 10 years, these volunteers meet two to three times a month for training and participate in various community events, representing fire services and providing public education materials. Volunteers also can assist with the fire safety trailer educational tours and by staffing the fire prevention booth at the county fair. Training provided; teaching and/or public speaking experience not necessary.

Fire Rehabilitation Team
Responding to incidents that last an extended amount of time, such as wildfires, large structure fires and multiple motor vehicle accidents, these volunteers arrive on scene with ice, sports drinks, water, crackers and nutrition bars to hydrate and provide snacks to firefighters. This vital assistance helps to ensure the firefighter’s safety, as they often are working in very hot and dangerous conditions while wearing heavy bunker gear and equipment. Training in CPR and emergency vehicle operations is provided and team members train together one evening a week.

For more information about these volunteer opportunities, please contact Volusia County Fire Services at (386) 254-4657 (Daytona Beach), (386) 736-5940 (DeLand), (386) 423-3357 (New Smyrna Beach).

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