The Riverside County Fire Department's Volunteer Reserve Firefighter Program provides several avenues for Volunteers to provide emergency assistance to our community.
Volunteer Reserve Firefighters assist the Riverside County Fire Department in firefighting activities and the provision of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). They respond to alarms as members of fire crews to protect life and property using various fire apparatus, equipment, tools, and devices, while ensuring their proper use and maintenance. Volunteer Reserve Firefighters are trained Emergency Medical Technicians, First Responders or Emergency Medical Responders (EMR). They administer varying degrees of emergency medical aid to injured people under extreme conditions involving trauma, illness, and personal tragedy.
Volunteer Reserve Firefighters are utilized in various functions such as additional staffing on engines, squads or specialized equipment. They may be assigned other tasks as deemed appropriate by the Department.
Minimum Requirements
- At least 18 years old at time of application
- Completion of high school or equivalent
- Valid California Driver's License
- Valid CPAT or Biddle physical agility test
All four items above must be met for an application to be considered
Desirable Qualifications
- Completion from a State of California approved Fire Academy
- Possession of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or higher from the State of California
Service Requirements
- Volunteer Reserve Firefighter duty time is flexible to meet individual needs
- Volunteer Reserve Firefighters are required to commit a minimum of 36 hours per month to station coverage
- Upon enrollment, additional required training is provided at no cost
The Volunteer Reserve MEOC position comprises a volunteer organization of individuals who provide specialized mobile support for incidents to better serve the citizens of Riverside County. Volunteer Reserve MEOC Technicians assist the Riverside County Fire Department in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations including but not limited to planned or unplanned response(s) as part of a Mobile Emergency Operations Center to department events and emergencies. Teamwork, personal investment, and self-sacrifice are the basis of the social framework of a Volunteer Reserve MEOC Technician. Volunteer Reserve MEOC Technicians also provide a variety of community services. This position requires each individual member to perform a variety of duties and may include responding to calls within the community as well as assisting other neighboring communities during mutual aid responses. In addition, Volunteer Reserve MEOC Technicians may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
- At least 18 years old at time of application
- Completion of high school or equivalent
- Valid California Driver’s License appropriate for the class of vehicle (may be a combination of Class "C" and full commercial Class "B" or Firefighter Endorsement
Service Requirements
- Volunteer Reserve MEOC Technicians duty time is flexible to meet individual needs
- Volunteer Reserve MEOC Technicians are required to cmmit a minimum of 36 hours per month to station coverage
- Upon enrollment, additional required training is provided at no cost
Volunteer Reserve Chaplains assist the Riverside County Fire Department in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations including but not limited to critical stress debriefings, memorial services for department staff and family members, and department and family home, hospital or other facility visitations offering support.
Teamwork, personal investment, and self-sacrifice are the basis of the social framework of a Volunteer Reserve Chaplain.
Volunteer Reserve Chaplains also provide a variety of community services. This position requires each individual member to perform a variety of duties and may include the responding to calls within the community as well as assisting other neighboring communities during mutual aid responses. In addition, Volunteer Reserve Chaplains may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
- At least 18 years old at time of application
- Completion of high school or equivalent
- Valid California Driver's License
Service Requirements
- Volunteer Reserve Chaplain duty time is flexible to meet individual needs
- Volunteer Reserve Chaplains are required to commit a minimum of 36 hours per month to station coverage
Volunteer Reserve Photographers assist the Riverside County Fire Department in a variety of photographic situations including department events and emergencies. Teamwork, personal investment, and self-sacrifice are the basis of the social framework of a Volunteer Reserve Photographer. Volunteer Reserve Photographers will also provide a variety of community services as directed by department staff. In addition, Volunteer Reserve Photographers may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
- At least 18 years old at time of application
- Completion of high school or equivalent
- Valid California Driver's License
Service Requirements
- Volunteer Reserve Photographer duty time is flexible to meet individual needs
- Volunteer Reserve Photographers are required to commit a minimum of 36 hours per month to station coverage
- Upon enrollment, additional training is provided at no cost
Fire Explorers
Opportunities in Fire Fighting for Teens.
Use the Fire Explorer Application provided below and apply now.
The Riverside County Fire Department Fire Explorer Program is a youth program organized through 'Learning For Life'. The program is designed to allow male and female youth, between the ages of 14 and 20, to explore a career in the fire service. The explorers receive training similar to volunteer and professional firefighters, including basic fire chemistry, hose evolutions, ladder operations, medical and CPR training, hazardous materials, and auto extrication.
The training program is intense and demanding, however the rewards are increased character and the understanding of what it takes to pursue a career in the fire service.
Fire Explorers receive the following benefits:
- The opportunity to learn teamwork and leadership skills
- High School credits
- Competitive activities at Fire Explorer Musters
- Challenge, Hard Work, Fun, and Friendship!
Minimum Requirements
- Between 14 and 20 years old
- Completion of the 8th grade
- 2.0 or better grade point average
Application Process
- Contact the closest Explorer Post
- Submit an Application
- Personal Interview
- Physical Exam (your doctor)
- Physical Agility Test
Fire Explorer Posts
Contact the Posts below for additional information regarding Fire Explorer opportunities throughout Riverside County.