Volunteer Opportunities

The Cornelius Fire Department will soon be accepting applications for Volunteer Firefighters. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about serving their community and interested in gaining valuable firefighting experience.

Are you interested in:

  • The knowledge that you are giving back to your community by becoming a vital part of the fire and emergency response team
  • Becoming a State of Oregon Certified Emergency Medical Technician
  • Attaining a progressively higher skill set, including certification, as a Fire Fighter I and II, or Pump Operator, fully paid by the department
  • Being trained and certified to apply to career positions
  • Obtaining new and specialized skills through in-house and area-wide training

These interests can be fulfilled by becoming a volunteer firefighter with the Cornelius Fire Department. You do not have to be a resident of Cornelius to be a volunteer. Out-of-district folks with a commitment to community service are welcome to represent the City of Cornelius and the Cornelius Rural Fire Protection District.

The anticipated start date for the next Volunteer Fire Academy is early summer. Selected applicants will receive comprehensive training to prepare them for emergency response to Fire, EMS, Rescue and other Hazardous events where there is a need to help.

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Firefighter Training

  • Firefighters participate in a three-month fire academy that is put on by the department
  • Recruits attend classes and training three days a week (usually Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). A total commitment of well over 350 hours over the three-month period. Recruits are expected to attend most, if not all of the scheduled training days.
  • Once the academy is completed, recruits have the core firefighting skills to begin to serve the community and will work towards obtaining accredited certificates.
  • Within a year of completing the fire academy, recruited firefighters are expected to become certified as Firefighters, Medical Providers (Emergency Medical Responders, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or higher), Wildland Firefighters, and HAZMAT Operations. Many of the tasks required for the firefighter and HAZMAT certifications are completed during the academy.

Student Volunteer Program

If you are at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license and enrolled in either a Fire Science or Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) educational program, Cornelius Fire Department has an opportunity for you!

Overview of Program

  • Earn a stipend per month while working alongside a career crew on a 48-hour on, 96-hour off schedule
  • Be part of the first responding engine to fires and emergency medical scenes
  • Develop skills that make you competitive for career jobs
  • Network with industry professionals and subject matter experts
  • Serve the community and help citizens in their time of need

Minimum Qualifications

  • Complete application
  • Pass background check
  • Complete an FF1 academy (Chemeketa, Portland Community College (PCC), outside agency, in-house, etc)
  • Pass a physical agility assessment
  • Pass a NFPA 1582 doctors physical provided by the department (no cost to applicant)
  • Complete an oral interview