GENERAL

Q: What are the primary objectives of the Reserve Firefighter Program?

A: The primary objectives of the Reserve Firefighter Program are to provide an opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the fire service to gain hands-on experience, develop leadership qualities, and contribute to the community. The program also aims to promote self-discipline, social consciousness, and community awareness, impart a culture of safety in the next generation of firefighters, and provide continuous personal growth through academic and manipulative instruction. Additionally, the program seeks to provide a more effective firefighter force and reduce the risks to the community and firefighters.

Q: What are the requirements to become a Reserve Firefighter?

A: The requirements for becoming a Reserve Firefighters must meet the initial and annual minimum training requirements and respiratory requirements before being used for any high-risk firefighting activities.

Q. What are the guidelines for Reserve Firefighter scheduling?

Reserve firefighters may work 24-hour shifts per duty day from 0800-0800 hrs.

To remain active in the program, Reserve Firefighters must work a minimum of three shifts per month (72 hours), unless approved by the program manager. Online training is mandatory and is not counted towards the minimum shift requirement.

Reserve firefighters are not assigned to a specific shift. The Captain of the shift that the firefighter signs up for shall be their immediate supervisor during the "on-duty" period.

Reserve Firefighters should contact the Reserve Program Manager to schedule their time. If a Reserve Firefighter cannot make their shift, they should call the duty captain to inform them and then contact the Reserve Program Manager to be removed from the schedule.

PAY

Q. How much will I get paid?

A. The Reserve Firefighter Trainee is not eligible for per-diem reimbursement, but Reserve Firefighters 1 & 2 can receive a per-diem reimbursement for gas and meal-related expenses. Reserve Firefighters must turn in their timesheets by the end of each month to receive reimbursement. The reimbursement amount depends on the number of hours worked, and if the fire becomes reimbursable under the California Fire Assistance Agreement, the Reserve Firefighter will be paid monthly based on the salary survey submitted to OES for that year.

TRAINING

Q: What classes does the Fire District sponsor Reserve Firefighters to attend?

A: The Fire District sponsors Reserve Firefighters to attend classes such as Driver Operator 1A/Driver Operator 1B, Swiftwater Tech, Auto Extrication, Low Angle Rescue, S212 (Chainsaw), Confined Space Awareness, and Hazardous Materials FRO.

Q: Will the Fire District pay for recertifications of EMS needed classes?

A: Yes, the Fire District will pay for recertifications of EMS needed classes as determined by the Reserve Firefighter's EMS level.

Q: What costs will the Fire District reimburse for?

A: The Fire District will reimburse for the cost of classes attended by Reserve Firefighters as well as any necessary textbooks or materials. The Department will also reimburse for the meal costs for free classes attended.

RESIGNATION/TERMINATION

Resignation/Termination

Q. Can Reserve Firefighters resign from the program at any time?

A. Yes, Reserve Firefighters may resign from the program at any time.

Q. When can Reserve Firefighters be terminated from the program?

A. Any Reserve Firefighter that is not able to meet the time commitment, without prior approval, will be terminated from the Reserve Program and will be asked to return any District-owned property. Also, any Reserve Firefighter that allows any certifications to lapse past their expiration dates will be suspended for 30 days and unable to respond to calls until a renewed certificate is submitted. If, after 30 days, a renewed certificate has not been provided, the Reserve Firefighter will be terminated from the program.

Q. Can Reserve Firefighters be granted a leave of absence?

A. Yes, a Reserve Firefighter who is unable to complete their 72-hour time commitment or unable to attend mandatory training may be granted a leave of absence not to exceed six (6) months.