Volunteer Firefighter

Since 1939, the Turner Community has relied on the volunteer services of citizen firefighters who risk their own lives and invest valuable time in responding effectively to the fire emergencies that occur in our community. Over the years, education and community support have allowed the TFD to add to our mission and capabilities including an Advanced Life Support Ambulance, state of the art fire apparatus and a small number of paid positions.

When the pagers are activated, some personnel respond directly to the scene. Others respond to the station where they staff the appropriate fire apparatus or ambulance and respond to the emergency. More than 600 times each year, the volunteers of the TFD respond to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, structure fires, wildland fires and hazmat scenes.

Volunteer firefighters often come to the TFD with no training and no experience. TFD volunteers attend the Santiam Academy with other volunteer recruits from all around South Marion County. Academy is designed for a wide variety of men and women who are working hard already to manage busy lives and families. Classes are on weekends and evenings for about five months. There is no financial expense to our volunteers. However, there is a considerable commitment of time and energy, especially in the early training phase. The district provides all equipment, protective clothing, pagers, etc.

New TFD Volunteers must live within the Turner Fire District, have a spotless criminal record, an excellent driving record, use absolutely no recreational drugs and be team-oriented. Our TFD training program is accredited by the State of Oregon and our NFPA firefighter certifications are recognized around the country.

The Process: Call Chief Donat at the TFD office and arrange to stop by for a visit and an application. Complete the application, gather the required references, sign the authorization for a detailed background check and return the packet to TFD. When the background check is complete, you will be invited for a tour of the fire station and an interview with Chief Donat. Successful candidates will be invited to attend drill, receive a fire pager and protective clothing, be assigned to a mentor and begin responding to emergency calls. Candidates will be registered for the next Santiam Academy and before long, will be making a huge difference in their own community!

Requirements: Must live within Turner Fire District, spotless criminal record, excellent driving record, no recreational drug use, team-oriented

Application Deadline: Continuous