Volunteer Firefighter - Cadet Program

WELCOME Thank You for Your Interest in Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District Since 1949, Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District has served as a trusted community resource dedicated to protecting life, property, and the environment in South Tillamook County. We are proud of the responsibility placed in us, and we do not take that trust lightly. We are a combination department made up of both career and volunteer personnel working side by side. Our volunteers are not an accessory to the organization — they are foundational to it. They represent commitment, discipline, and a willingness to step forward when their community calls. Becoming a volunteer firefighter or support member requires dedication. It requires training, accountability, and sacrifice. Our members invest significant time preparing for emergencies so that when the moment comes, they are ready. The standards are high because the responsibility is high. While the work can be demanding, the reward of serving and protecting your own community is unmatched. We are not a casual volunteer organization. We are a professional, team-driven public service agency built on readiness, training, and service above self. Department Overview Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District is governed by a five-member elected Board of Directors and operates as an all-hazards emergency response agency. We provide: Fire suppression Emergency medical services Water rescue Rope rescue Vehicle rescue Drone operations Hazardous materials response Public service and more Community risk reduction and public education The district is staffed by 14 career personnel, one administrative assistant, and 30 dedicated volunteers. We operate six stations and maintain 24 pieces of emergency apparatus to ensure rapid and reliable response across our service area. Career personnel operate on a 48/96 shift schedule, providing continuous staffing and operational leadership 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Service Area Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District protects more than 125 square miles of primary service area and over 325 total square miles when including surrounding unincorporated areas. Our coverage extends: From Milepost 77 on Highway 101 north East to Milepost 11 on Highway 22 South to the Lincoln County line at Milepost 101 on Highway 101 We work closely with our neighboring agencies, including: Netarts-Oceanside Rural Fire Protection District Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Department of Emergency Services North Lincoln Fire & Rescue We train together. We respond together. We support one another to ensure seamless service across jurisdictional lines. Community & Call Volume We serve approximately 6,500 full-time residents and protect a coastal destination community that regularly sees more than 30,000 visitors during peak tourism periods. We respond to more than 1,000 calls for service annually. More than 60 percent of those calls involve emergency medical services or have a medical component. For that reason, all of our personnel, volunteers and career staff, are trained in emergency medical care ranging from CPR and First Aid to EMT and Advanced EMT levels. Our six stations are strategically located in: Pacific City (Station 82) - Volunteer Beaver (Station 83) - Volunteer Neskowin (Station 84) - Volunteer Sandlake (Station 85) - Volunteer Blaine (Station 86) - Volunteer Hebo (Station 87) – Career/Volunteer This footprint allows us to maintain coverage across a diverse coastal, rural, and wildland interface environment. Our Commitment The community we serve continues to evolve. Fire behavior has changed with modern construction. Emergency medical needs grow as our population ages. Tourism increases seasonal demand. Expectations for service and professionalism continue to rise. We evolve with those changes. Every decision we make is centered on improving readiness, strengthening response reliability, and expanding prevention and education efforts. We serve with purpose. We prepare for what is next. And we remain committed to protecting this community in every way we can. Volunteer with us Step Forward. Volunteer With Us. This is more than volunteering. This is stepping up when your community needs you. If you are 16 or 17, our Cadet Program is your starting point. You will learn discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and real skills that prepare you to earn your NFPA Firefighter 1 certification when you turn 18. It is an opportunity to begin building a future in the fire service now. If you are 18 or older and ready to dedicate yourself to protecting lives and property, we will train you. We are looking for people who are willing to work hard, train hard, and serve with integrity. No experience required. Commitment required. At Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District, volunteering is not casual. It is structured, professional, and purpose-driven. You will train to recognized standards. You will be held accountable. And you will become part of a team that shows up when it matters most. Opportunities to serve include: • Fire suppression • Emergency medical response • Apparatus operations • Public education and Community Risk Reduction • Administrative and office support • Public information and outreach Every position strengthens our ability to protect this community across 125 square miles of primary service area and beyond. We serve thousands of residents and tens of thousands of visitors each year. More than 60 percent of our calls involve emergency medical care. Our members are trained, prepared, and ready. If you are willing to step forward, we will invest in you. If this sounds like something you would be proud to be part of, pick up an application from Hebo Station 87, complete it, and submit it there. or you can download and print it from the top of this page and submit it at Hebo Station 87. Questions? Call us at 503 392 3313. We are always accepting new volunteers. Are you ready to answer the call?