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Becoming a Firefighter
About
What it Means
Benefits
Submit an Interest Form
Fire Academy
About
Becoming a Firefighter
Members of the community interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter with the Graham Fire Department must meet the following requirements:
· Live in the city limits of Graham (or no more than 2 miles from the city limits)
· Be 18 years of age or older
· Have a valid NC driver’s license and good driver’s history
· Have no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude
· Have no illegal drug use within the last 12 months
· Meet the medical requirements set forth in NFPA 1582
If a person meets the above standards they may fill out a Firefighter Interest Card (Open Submit an Interest Form Tab). Once an interest card has been filled out a member of the department will contact the person with additional information about the position. The fire department does not accept application without first filling out an interest card.
What it Means
What it Means to be a Firefighter
Whether it’s on your career department or volunteer company, your fellow firefighters make the shift, drill night, or monthly meeting fly by. You’re almost a little sad when it’s over and it’s time to leave. You walk out of the firehouse already thinking about your next shift or the next time that pager goes off for a run. Even those who have time on the job will say it’s the best job in the world. Hey, everybody has a bad day or month, but there is a reason why little kids look up to you. There is a reason why you’re in so many children’s books, the reason they point at the fire engine and not the delivery truck, and the reason there is a whole aisle full of toys at the toy store dedicated to you, the firefighter. To a child, you’re a hero but more importantly a role model.
~ Rick Lasky, Pride and Ownership: The love for the job
Benefits
Benefits
There are many benefits of becoming a firefighter. Whether you become a volunteer or do this for a career, here are a few of the benefits you can achieve:
· Sense of accomplishment and achievement
· Opportunity to learn new skills
· Being part of a team
· Giving back to the community and making a difference
· Networking with members of the greatest profession in the world
· Educational opportunities
· Building friendships
· Supplemental retirement and benefit plans
Submit an Interest Form
Submit an Interest Form
Fire Academy
Fire Academy
The Alamance County College offers a daytime fire academy that will train students to the level of NC Firefighter 2. More information can be found at: https://www.alamancecc.edu/continuing-education-site/home/emergency-services-training/fire-service
Join our TEAM!
FAQ's
18 years old
Must live in the city limits or no more than 2 miles outside of the city limits
Meet minimum age requirement – 18 years old
High school diploma or GED
Pass a background check
Pass Drug Screening
Proof of residency
Once you join the department, you will be trained as a firefighter. This may require you to take classes in the evenings and weekends. Classes may be held at the department or other locations based on the class type.
Depending on the training you receive and the department’s needs, you may be asked to do some of the following task:
Fire Suppression
Emergency Medical Services
Hazardous Materials
Fire Prevention
Public Events
Fundraising
GFD volunteers are provided a stipend for the incidents they respond to and for the training classes they attend
The State of NC requires all firefighters to obtain a minimum of 36 hours of firefighter training per calendar year.
The GFD offers training classes at least 3 times per month
Volunteering is one of the best ways to get the necessary training and experience to be an attractive candidate for a career firefighting position
If you are interested in a position with the Graham Fire Department, please fill out a volunteer firefighter application and someone from the fire department will get in touch with you. Click here to fill out an application.