RECRUITING

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

A common misconception is that our firefighters are paid for what they do or that we have plenty of members to do the job. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

With the struggles of today's two-income families and the growing responsibilities of parenthood, people simply don't have the time to volunteer any more. The members of our department are just like you - your neighbors and the members of the community. They sacrifice their time to be there when others need help.

We welcome you to join our family and give back to your community! We need interior firefighters, exterior firefighters, medical personnel, and drivers. No experience is needed - we provide the training and you provide the dedication.

Why Volunteer?

Have you ever seen a motor vehicle accident, fire, or injured or sick person and wish you could help?
Have you ever had a loved one or friend have a medical emergency and not know what to do?
Did you have dreams of being a firefighter when you were a child?
Are you looking for a way to give back to your community?
Are you looking for new ways to challenge yourself?
Are you looking for ways to supplement your retirement?

What is Required to Join?

No previous experience or qualifications are required.
Must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
Physically able to perform the duties and responsibilities of an interior or exterior firefighter.
Have the time required to train, respond to calls and attend department drills, meetings and events.
Be a team player.
Have the desire to give back to your community!

Do I Need to Live in Lancaster or Alden?

You do not need to be a resident of Lancaster or Alden to join the Town Line Volunteer Fire Department. Our department is proud to have an Out of District Member Program. Our program details are as follows:

Out of District members have all of the rights and privileges of a regular member as outlined in the department Bylaws. In addition, Out of District Members must meet the following requirements:

An obligation of at least 20 hours per month
Fulfill ongoing training participation, in which the drill time would not be calculated in the monthly time obligation
Fulfill all other requirements as a member.

What is Required of me as a Member?

The following items are just a few points for you to consider before you decide to become a member of our department.

The Town Line Volunteer Fire Department responded to 957 alarms in 2022. We provide emergency response (fire, motor vehicle accidents, and emergency medical services) to the residents and visitors of the towns of Lancaster and Alden. You are required to make a minimum of 10% of the alarms each year.
Training takes a very high priority in this department. Our normal training sessions are held on Monday nights from 7 to 9pm. Weekly training for our daytime personnel is dependent on their schedules.
Members are encouraged to attend our monthly department meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 6:30pm.
Members are encouraged to participate in various committees lending their expertise to department events or special projects.

Do I Need any Training to Join?

There is no training required before you become a member of our department. We will provide the following training you need free of charge.

Department specific new firefighter orientation and training.
OSHA safety training
New York State Basic Exterior Firefighting Course and/or New York State Basic Interior Firefighting Course
CPR and Basic First Aid
New York State Basic EMT training (not required)

Do I Have to be an Interior Firefighter?

While having a large number of interior firefighters is desired, it is not required that you be interior qualified. There are many other jobs that need to be done on the fire scene or at an emergency call including:

Exterior Firefighters/Support
Drivers
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Certified First Responders (CFRs)

We do, however, require all members to take the New York State Basic Exterior Firefighter Course so they are certified and knowledgeable on an emergency scene.