Fire Department Volunteer Program

The following information is also available in a printable format here.

How Do I Apply?
The first step is to completely fill out an application and attach a copy of your valid Missouri drivers license, proof of vehicle insurance, and a high school diploma or G. E. D.  Turn all these documents in at the fire administration offices located at 1103 West Highway 76, near the Roark Valley Road intersection.  In the application packet you will find a Missouri State request for drivers record form and a criminal record check.  You will be responsible for sending this information off.

Each qualified applicant will be notified of the next available testing date to complete a 75 question aptitude exam and a physical ability test.  Once successfully completing this phase the applicant will be scheduled for an interview with the Personal Advisory (P.A.) Board.

Based on testing results and the interview, the P.A. Board will make a recommendation to accept of decline your application and the members of the fire department will make a deciding vote.

As a final note, the fire department will conduct an investigation into your background.  Becoming a member of the City of Branson Fire Department team requires careful selection.  Acceptance to the fire department depends on many other variables, such as staffing needs.  The selection process is designed to help the fire department find men and women who would most likely become the safest and most effective firefighters on the fire ground.

How will I be trained?
Imagine receiving training to prepare yourself to respond to emergency incidents that will range from building fires to heart attacks, from hazardous chemical spills to a person trapped in a car following a collision...

Once completing the application process and being voted on as a member of our team, you will enter into a commitment of continued education and study to make you the most efficient and safest firefighter on the fire ground.

Your training will start by attending a recruit firefighter academy introducing you to the policies and procedures of the fire department and the basics of fire fighting.  The recruit program will be taught over a three month time period.

After graduating from the recruit firefighter academy, you will enter into an intermediate training program consisting of the Missouri State Firefighter I certification, First Responder medical training, hazardous Materials --- Operations Level, and Auto Extrication.

Most training classes are offered on Thursday nights, however additional training hours are available on occasional weekends, alternate evenings, and with the career personnel during the day.  Training opportunities are posted monthly.  Typically, the first Thursday of each month is for a business meeting of the Branson Fire Rescue Association,  to keep our firefighters informed and to conduct routine business.

As mentioned earlier that becoming a part of our team requires a commitment on your part to continued training and education...  additional training opportunities will be made available as you advance, including training through the University of Missouri - Fire Training.

What benefits will I receive?
Although the fire department's primary focus is to provide fire and rescue services for the residents and visitors of the City of Branson, as a firefighter you will receive and or be able to use various services at no cost to you.

• The fire department will provide to you state-of-the art protective clothing, a uniform and a pager to keep you abreast of all incidents.  Total cost of this package is over $1250.
• As a firefighter, you are provided with Workman's Compensation Insurance.
• Membership to the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri which includes a monthly newsletter and the opportunity to purchase additional life insurance.
• Membership at a local health club.
• Reimbursement pay for responding to fire-rescue incidents and training classes attended.
• The Fire Department has a Chaplain on staff for direct counseling or to acquire other resources for assistance.
• As a volunteer, you are encouraged to schedule to ride along with the career staff working 24 hour shifts.

Finally, the fire department's training program in fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical services, and continuing education not only benefits the community, but also becomes a priceless skill in family and personal relations.  Not only are you equipped and trained to serve the public, you are ready and prepared to help those you love.