Volunteer Information

Volunteer Positions

The Town of Mansfield is fortunate to have a corps of dedicated volunteers who assist the town in many areas, such as serving as a volunteer member of our department of fire and emergency services.

For further information or if you have questions, please email the Mansfield Fire Department or call 860-429-3323.

How to Become a Volunteer Member:

Thank you for expressing interest in the Mansfield Fire Department and your community. This is the first step in becoming an important part of your community by becoming an emergency services provider. The following information explains the steps in becoming a member. Members are 18 years of age or older, 

The Mansfield Fire Department is a full service fire, EMS, and rescue department. The department is a combination department, consisting of both career and volunteer members. Its members respond to over 2000 emergency calls each year, including fires, vehicle accidents, and medical emergencies. To quickly respond to these emergency calls, the department has three stations. Divided among the three stations there are 4-5 career personnel on duty 24/7, the career personnel are supported by volunteers.

As you read on, the road ahead may seem daunting, but it really isn’t difficult. Becoming an emergency service provider is a serious responsibility. You have a responsibility to your fellow firefighters and to the persons whose lives and property may be involved in an emergency. Because of the hazardous nature of this service and to assure that you will be operating safely, substantial training is required. 

Step 1. Application and Interview

Your first step is to complete a membership application answering the questions as fully and truthfully as possible. Once complete, the application will be routed to the membership committee comprised of career and volunteer members. The committee reviews applications in the Spring and Fall seasons. After review and if selected, you’ll be contacted by telephone to set up a date for an interview with the Chief.  The interview is an opportunity for the Chief to get to know you, and for you to ask any questions you have about the membership process, the Department, being an Emergency Service Provider, and other matters. The Chief will then pass on his recommendation to the membership committee.

Step 2. Probationary Membership

If your interview is successful, the membership committee will recommend you for appointment as a Probationary Member. You’ll be invited to attend a membership meeting, at that meeting you will be sworn in by the Chief as a Probationary Member.

Probationary membership lasts a minimum of six months. During this time you will become acquainted with the department, our fire and rescue equipment, how the Department works, and all the other matters which make the Mansfield Fire Department an elite organization. You’ll do this by completing a series of orientation and minimum required training classes to become a participating probationary firefighter: CPR, blood-borne diseases, hazardous materials awareness, and fire-ground safety. All the training courses are provided by experienced members of the department. You must complete the training before you can respond to any calls for service.

Once you have completed these minimum requirements, you will be issued a set of protective clothing and/or gear and a pager. You will be able to respond to calls by spending time at the station or in your personal vehicle. As a probationary member you are invited to attend department meetings, attend training sessions (usually the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 19:00hrs, Station 107) and to participate in any of the other activities of the department.

Step 3. Full Membership

After your probationary period, you may be considered for full membership in the department. Keep in mind that this does not always occur at the six month mark. The time you spend as a probationary member depends on your effort and interest in the department. Spending time at the station is highly encouraged not only so that you can respond to calls, but also so that you can learn about our apparatus and equipment, as well as getting to know the other members of the department.

As an active member of the department your responsibility to maintain a high level of training is not diminished. Members serve in various roles, some serve in several roles:

1. Firefighter - This will require you to complete a 160 hour training course at an accredited training school in the state. We are fortunate to have such a school in Willimantic. This course is offered every spring and fall and falls on every other weekend (Sat. and Sun. every other week).

2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - This will require you to complete a 160 hour training course from a certified instructor in the state. There are many programs available at all times during the year, and they fit all schedules. Some programs are offered twice a week during the day, twice a week during the evening, weekends, or intensive programs that run 40 hours/week for 4 weeks.

3. Fire Police - This activity demands a less rigorous physical condition. You must complete a 12 hour course in traffic control and state DOT regulations. Although there is much less training involved, fire police serve an important role by redirecting traffic around vehicle accidents or other scenes that require closure of a road.

4. Support - Fund raising, website support, apparatus cleaning, special events, etc. The fire department is a sizable organization that requires different types of support in the eye of the community and behind the scenes.

All of the above training, and many other advanced courses are available to members as they desire. There are also other advanced opportunities to members who have completed one or more of the above training courses. The cost of the training will be reimbursed to you on a schedule depending on the nature of the training and status of the member.  

As a Member of the Department you have the right to participate in departmental business and to vote on matters brought before the membership. You will also have the opportunity to participate in social activities of the Department, in community service provided through the Department and many enjoyable activities with your new colleagues. Above all, you will have the privilege of be a member of one of the elite fire departments in Connecticut.