Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Volunteer Program?
The Banks Fire District Volunteer Program offers hands-on experience for
individuals interested in supporting their community through firefighting,
emergency medical response, and public education.
Volunteers receive training ranging from EMR to Paramedic,
participate in community outreach, and develop valuable skills for future
careers in public safety.
“The greatest strength our volunteers at Banks Fire have is the pride and
commitment they have in serving the community and taking care of those around
them.”
— Chief Rodney Linz
What Are the Requirements to Volunteer?
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid Oregon driver’s license
- Successful completion of background check, reference check, physical exam, and drug screening
- Ability to attend and complete 100% of the academy
- Must meet District medical/physical standards
- Must obtain Oregon EMR or EMT certification within one year of selection or prior to academy start
- Clear criminal and driving record
What Does a Volunteer Firefighter/ EMT Do?
Volunteer Firefighters/EMTs serve our community through a combination of emergency response, training, and public service, including:
- Fire & EMS Response: Responding to emergency incidents as part of a team.
- Community Engagement: Participating in public education, station tours, and outreach events.
- Training: Attending classroom instruction, drills, and field training to maintain required skills.
What is the Student-Intern Program?
The Student-Intern Program is available to those individuals pursuing a career in fire service. It provides both academic and hands-on experience for individuals enrolled in a related degree program, such as:
- Fire Protection Technology
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- Fire Science
- Wildland Firefighting
- A closely related field that provides academic credit for participation
Minimum Requirements:
- Must be enrolled or enrolling in an eligible academic program
- Must be physically capable of performing essential firefighter functions
- Must be able to attend a 48/96 shift assignment
How Do I Obtain My EMR Certification?
The District provides an EMR course annually for volunteers at no cost. Volunteers must obtain their Oregon
EMR certification within 12 months of joining the department.
Additional details are available on the Oregon Health Authority EMR – First
Responder webpage.
Is There an Age Limit?
No. Banks Fire District welcomes volunteers of all ages (18 and older). Many volunteers begin later in life and excel in the program. All candidates must meet the same physical and performance standards.
Do you Offer Medic Only Roles?
Yes. Medic-only team members play a vital part in our emergency response system, providing high-quality patient care and supporting our community’s medical needs.
Are You Currently Accepting Volunteer Applications?
Yes. We are currently accepting volunteer applications year-round.
Do I need to live in the Banks Fire District to apply?
No. Residency within
the district is not required to volunteer.
What If I Have a Criminal Record or Driving Violations?
Each applicant’s history is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The District evaluates the nature and circumstances of any convictions in consideration of public trust and safety. Crimes against persons and property are taken very seriously.
I’ve Volunteered with Another Department—Do I Still Need to Complete the Academy?
Do Volunteers Get Paid?
Volunteers are not employees, but they receive a modest stipend to offset expenses associated with service. This stipend is subject to standard withholdings and taxes.