Questions About Membership
Active Firefighter Application
Below are two identical files that have the application to join the Town of Watertown Fire Department. If you use the Word document, you can complete the form and email it to twfdoffice46@gmail.com or you can complete the PDF file and drop it off at Station 1. Additional information about joining is found below. Thank you for your interest in joining!
| application_twfd__updated_september_2019_.docx |
| application_twfd__updated_september_2019_.pdf |
Cadet/Junior Firefighter Application and SOGs
Below are two identical files that have the application to join the Town of Watertown Fire Department Cadet/Junior Firefighter Program. If you use the Word document, you can complete the form and email it to twfdoffice46@gmail.com or you can complete the PDF file and drop it off at Station 1. Thank you for your interest in joining! If you have questions about membership, contact leonvanwie@gmail.com.
| twfd_jr._application_2019.doc |
| twfd_jr._application_2019.pdf |
| sogs_for_jr._membership_2019.pdf |
Join
The active members of the Town of Watertown Fire Department are the actual firefighters. Anyone 18 years of age or older and has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor other than minor traffic infractions, is eligible to join. All that is required is a desire to serve your community and a commitment to the Department.
Active members are provided with training, both in-house at our weekly drills and through formal courses provided by the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Active members are encouraged to complete either of the state fire courses, BEFO (Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations) or IFO (Interior Firefighter Operations), within their first year. Active members must pass IFO, pass a pulmonary fit test & mask fit test to become an "interior qualified" firefighter. Active members who complete BEFO are considered "exterior firefighters". We have several members who are considered "exterior firefighters" who do not do interior firefighting. There is enough work for everyone, so don't let a fear of entering a fire structure keep you from helping.
Upon application for membership, an extensive background check is done to determine eligibility. Once your application has passed, our executive board meets with each applicant to discuss the requirements of active membership and the interests of the prospective member. If the applicant and the committee determine that active membership is appropriate, the application is presented to the full membership to be voted on by all the members. If approved by the General Membership, the applicant's name is then submitted to the Town of Watertown Board of Fire Commissoners for their approval.
All active members must complete the New York State Best Practices training each year. The probation period is 1 year, during which probationary members are not allowed to vote on department issues.
After one year of service, firefighters may qualify to drive the various trucks. Drivers of the trucks also operate the pumps and always remain with the truck at the scene of a call. Drivers must obtain state EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operators Course) & must be cleared by the captain of that apparatus before driving. Drivers of pumper's & aerial apparatus must obtain apparatus pump operator certification prior to driving. Additionally, drivers of the aerial apparatus must obtain ladder company operations prior to driving.
If you would like to find out more, please contact leonvanwie@gmail.com. Drills are generally held each Wednesday of the month beginning at 7:00 PM, other than our meeting night.
Active members are provided with training, both in-house at our weekly drills and through formal courses provided by the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Active members are encouraged to complete either of the state fire courses, BEFO (Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations) or IFO (Interior Firefighter Operations), within their first year. Active members must pass IFO, pass a pulmonary fit test & mask fit test to become an "interior qualified" firefighter. Active members who complete BEFO are considered "exterior firefighters". We have several members who are considered "exterior firefighters" who do not do interior firefighting. There is enough work for everyone, so don't let a fear of entering a fire structure keep you from helping.
Upon application for membership, an extensive background check is done to determine eligibility. Once your application has passed, our executive board meets with each applicant to discuss the requirements of active membership and the interests of the prospective member. If the applicant and the committee determine that active membership is appropriate, the application is presented to the full membership to be voted on by all the members. If approved by the General Membership, the applicant's name is then submitted to the Town of Watertown Board of Fire Commissoners for their approval.
All active members must complete the New York State Best Practices training each year. The probation period is 1 year, during which probationary members are not allowed to vote on department issues.
After one year of service, firefighters may qualify to drive the various trucks. Drivers of the trucks also operate the pumps and always remain with the truck at the scene of a call. Drivers must obtain state EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operators Course) & must be cleared by the captain of that apparatus before driving. Drivers of pumper's & aerial apparatus must obtain apparatus pump operator certification prior to driving. Additionally, drivers of the aerial apparatus must obtain ladder company operations prior to driving.
If you would like to find out more, please contact leonvanwie@gmail.com. Drills are generally held each Wednesday of the month beginning at 7:00 PM, other than our meeting night.
