Becoming an RCVFD Volunteer

RCVFD is Volunteer Operated.  If you are interested in helping RCVFD, you can do so in a number of ways - ranging from participating on the Board of Directors, helping with fund raising activities, helping with maintenance or becoming an emergency responder.

The first step in becoming a volunteer is to decide what you want to commit to and what your interests are.  If you are interested in a non-emergency response volunteer job, contact the board of directors or attend a board meeting. Board meetings are the 4th Wednesday of every month, 7:00 pm at RCVFD Fire Station 1 on Rist Canyon Road.

Becoming an emergency responder

Becoming a Volunteer Fire or Medical Responder can be one of the most rewarding parts of your life - however it is not for everybody.  Many people enjoy it, others do not.  You will have to make that determinations.  You can participate in emergency responses for RCVFD as either a fire fighter, medical responder, or both.  For more information:

- Contact our Volunteer Coordinator - Wes Rutt.  482-6912 - or email  

First, consider that becoming a volunteer emergency responder is:

• A big commitment.  You will need to be ready to respond just about any time and training is required.
• Only practical for those who live in the immediate area of RCVFD.  Coming from town, for instance, is not practical.
• Can be hard work.  You need to be in good physical shape and aware of your limitations.
• Somewhat dangerous.  RCVFD treats responder safety as our number one priority - however, we are inherently dealing with dangerous situations.
• Very rewarding.  This is truly a key factor.
• Very necessary.   Volunteers provide the majority of rural emergency response in the US.

Some other things about RCVFD:

• We are not a social club.  This reputation is common for VFD's - and some really do fit this profile.  However, while RCVFD is a close knit community of people working towards a common goal, we are a professional organization with clear goal, objectives and rules.
• We are very dependent on each other.  Literally - life and death - dependent on each other.  We take that responsibility very seriously.  Consequently, we are open and frank - and do require a commitment.

How to start:

• Start by attending fire training - which is the 2nd Wednesday (note change) of every month at fire station 1 (19:00 hours). Here you will meet some volunteers, get a taste of the training and department and start on your training.
• Continue to attend training for a minimum amount of time (usually 3 months) before you are issued response gear and put on the active list.  At this point, you will be qualified to participate in responses, however your duties will be limited and you will continue to learn.
• Continue to attend training and develop additional skill, techniques and ability. 

For more information, come to a fire training - or contact the Fire Chief

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