Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I am uncertain if firefighting is for me, but I still want to help. Is there anything I can do?

• Yes! We have jobs for anyone looking to help. Outside of firefighting, members can be trained in First Aid (EMS), vehicle extrication, traffic control, and more. We also have administrative tasks, such as fundraising, recruitment, and hall maintenance, to name a few.

What does the application and onboarding process look like?

• You can begin the application process online by filling out the Interest Survey. After this a member will be in contact with you to answer any questions and provide you with an application. After filling out the application we will schedule a membership interview with you and contact you shortly after with information on your application status.

Once an approved member, you will be invited to a brief orientation session where you are introduced to our company policies and SOPs, your assigned station, and all other relevant information. The final portion of the onboarding process is our introductory training, which you complete on your own time alongside experienced members. 

Can I visit the fire station before deciding to join?

• Absolutely! We are always up to something, and you can frequently find us training at our Sardinia Hall on Monday nights. Feel free to pop in and observe our training and ask any questions you may have! You can also schedule a time to visit our stations by filling out the online Interest Survey. 

I would like to help but I'm worried about the time commitment. Am I required to give a lot of time?

• All our members are volunteers, so they respond to calls to service and attend trainings based entirely on their availability. We know you're balancing family, work, school, and other responsibilities. We require just 50 hours of service per year, which you can fulfill flexibly through responding to calls, attending training sessions, meetings, fundraisers, or participating in any fire company events that suit your schedule.

I have never been a firefighter/EMT before. Am I qualified to join?

• Yes! We require no previous training or experience to join. We provide our members with all the training required to respond to fires, EMS calls, motor vehicle accidents, or any other incident that comes our way. We host frequent "in-house" training, as well as give our members all the resources needed to take any state fire courses to receive certifications.  

Is there a minimum age to join?

• Yes, you must be 16 or older to join.

Do I need my own equipment or uniform?

• No. All needed equipment, such as turnout gear, is provided to you.  

What kind of training is involved, and how long does it usually take?

• There are two main types of training in the fire service: "in-house" training and state courses. 

"In-House" training is training that we host ourselves at our fire stations. These trainings are designed to keep our members' skills in practice, familiarize our members with our equipment, and introduce new skills. We host multiple of these trainings each month, typically on Monday nights for around 2 hours. 

State courses are trainings, often extended in length, that you receive certifications for completing. We require these certifications for certain roles in the Fire Company. For example, you must complete the NYS FF1 course (total of 129 hours) in order to be an Interior Firefighter, or the NYS EMT-B course (total of 155 hours) to become an EMT. You can check the Erie County Fire Safety Training Schedule to see other NYS fire trainings here: Training Schedule | Fire Safety  

What are the incentives for becoming a volunteer?

• While there is no way to put a price tag on your volunteer service, there are plenty of ways that you are rewarded for your efforts!  The fire company and Town of Sardinia offer a Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for members who complete a minimum level of activity each year.  This works similar to a retirement program, where you build value until you reach the age to collect.  State, county and local governments offer tax credits, either on your income taxes or property taxes.  As a volunteer, you qualify for a handful of first responder discounts at stores all over the country.  First responder and fire service organizations offer scholarship opportunities for you and your family.  Our fire company provides its members with the resources to find as many incentives as possible.

What are some of the advancement opportunities available to me?

• The fire company provides excellent training opportunities to its members, which can in turn be used to advance your career.  Fire service training can be applicable to a variety of fields.  For example, incident command system training can be applied to any emergency services or military duties.  Emergency medicine training can help develop skills for people in healthcare professions.  New York State is also working to offer stipends for completion of fire service training; currently offering stipends for completion of Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations (BEFO), Interior Firefighting Operations (IFO) and Fire Officer I.

How many calls to service do you receive each year?

• We average 350-450 calls per year. Here is a list of call numbers for recent years:

2024 - 360

2023 - 417

2022 - 430

2021 - 394

2020 - 347

What types of calls do you respond to?

• We respond to a variety of different calls, with house and car fires, brush fires, motor vehicle accidents, and EMS calls making up the majority of calls we receive. However, we do respond to other calls such as traffic control requests, flooding assistance, search and rescue, and even the occasional cat stuck in a tree!

What is the structure of the Fire Company?

• The Chaffee-Sardinia Volunteer Fire Company is governed by a Board of Directors, elected by the membership to serve a 3-year term. 

Operationally, the CSFC follows a paramilitary structure, with an elected Fire Chief who is in charge of the firematic operations of the company. He is assisted by two Assistant Chiefs, two Station Captains, as well as fire and EMS lieutenants.