Information on our Volunteer Positions

Plainfield Fire Department Volunteer Positions:

Fire Fighter Apprentice   (Application Form)

(Fire Fighter Apprentice is a NON-PAID position.)

A. INTENT
This position will give young people exposure to various duties and skills involved in the fire service. This knowledge will assist them in making a decision whether or not to continue in this career field.

The program will benefit the department by creating a pool of people who are knowledgeable and interested in the fire service. The department will consider qualified fire fighter Apprentices when openings occur in the Reserve classification.

This position will allow (with the Fire Chiefs approval) the Apprentice to attend the Michigan Fire Fighter’s Training Council FF-I, & FF-II training. Approval prior to applying to any school must be received from the Deputy Chief.

The Apprentice may respond to alarms as approved by the Deputy Chief. The Apprentice may perform limited duties, and participate in department trainings as determined by the Deputy Chief. The Apprentice may participate in other department activities approved by the Deputy Chief.

The goal of this program is to expose the Apprentice to the fire service and provide initial training. The Deputy Chief and the Apprentice will determine a schedule for the Apprentice, considering the student's school requirements and other time limits.

B. ON SCENE ACTIVITIES
1. The Apprentice will report to the Incident Commander for all assignments at scenes.
2. The Apprentices will wear a colored vest labeled "Apprentice", which is readily visible at all times when on scenes.
3. To ensure the safety of the Apprentices, they will not be allowed to enter a scene that would subject them to any hazardous environment. If they are in a department vehicle when responding to a medical or PI, they will stay inside the vehicle, unless command directs otherwise.

C. EQUIPMENT
1. The Apprentice may be issued a department pager, turnout gear, and copies of the department rules, and Policy Orders.
2. The helmet will be marked with a large letter A on both sides to be readily recognizable as Apprentices at scenes.
3. No equipment issued by the department may be used outside of the Township.
4. Department issued uniform (shirt, pants, badge, name tag etc.) will only be worn when attending a department function.

D. QUALIFICATIONS
1. All applicants must meet the pre-employment specifications of Policy #110, except as stated in this Policy (#193).
2. All applicants for this position must be at least 16 years old, and enrolled in high school.
3. Written permission to apply for the Apprentice Program will be required from a parent, and school administrator.

E. DUTIES
1. The Apprentice will assist at scenes by obtaining equipment, assisting in setup, placement of equipment, and other duties as assigned by the Incident Commander.
2. The Apprentice will assist with in house station duties and other activities inside and outside the station until 7:00 PM. The Fire Chief or Deputy Chief may assign the Apprentice special duties.
3. The Apprentice will assist in returning all equipment back into service after alarms.
4. The Apprentice will be expected to learn the location of all tools and equipment on all apparatus and in the station house.
5. The Apprentice will participate in all aspects of departmental trainings and activities that are within their capabilities, and not considered hazardous.

F. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The Apprentice will be responsible to know, and adhere to all rules and Policy Orders of the Plainfield Fire Department.
2. The Apprentice will not be allowed to have direct contact with any patient being treated by the department.
3. All Apprentices are expected to drive their personal vehicle in a safe and prudent manner when responding to alarms, and adhere to the Michigan Vehicle Code.
4. The Apprentice will not be allowed to equip their personal vehicle with emergency lights or siren.
5. The Apprentice will not be allowed to drive any fire apparatus responding to an emergency. The Apprentice may drive a fire apparatus with an Officer, or E.O. in the vehicle, if they are at least 18 years old.

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Chaplain (Application Form)

A. General Summary
Under the general supervision of the Fire Chief, the Chaplain will work with the Customer Service Specialist in providing a full range of services to personnel and citizens through a comprehensive Chaplaincy Program.

1. The Chaplain will respond to a scene when requested by the Incident Commander (I.C.).
2. In some situations the Chaplain may be requested to report to the station, rather than the scene by the I.C.
3. The Chaplain will be under the direct command of the I.C., and can be disregarded by the I.C. at anytime.
4. Any fire department member may contact the Chaplain.

B. Typical Examples Of Work
1. Provide appropriate citizen assistance.
2. Provide appropriate assistance to fire department personnel and their families.
3. Respond to the hospital to deliver support.
4. Attend fire department functions.
5. Conduct funeral/memorial services.

C. Required skills, knowledge, and abilities
1. Be an ordained member of the clergy.
2. In good physical health.
3. Have the ability to effectively deal with, communicate with, and counsel people who are under great emotional burdens and stress.
4. Be available to respond to emergency scenes.
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Photographer: (Application Form)

The Photographer’s position is a vital part of the emergency response system. The Photographer records the incident as it occurs, and as requested after it’s completion. The resulting photos become part of the permanent record. The pictures, either still or video, allow us to review and learn from our actions at the scene.

A. General Summary
Under the general supervision of the Fire Chief, the Photographer will provide a full range of services to the department and citizens.
1. The Photographer will respond to the scene when requested by the Incident Commander.
2. In some situations, the Photographer may be requested to report to the station rather than the scene.
3. The Photographer will respond to certain scenes (approved by the Chief) automatically.
4. The Photographer will be under the direct command of the I.C. In those rare instances where we feel that photos are inappropriate, use of the Photographer at a scene will be at the I.C.’s discretion.

B. Illustrative Tasks
Reports to the I.C. for assignment, some of the assignments may be, but are not limited to:
1. Records visual images of incidents as they occur, using still and video equipment.
2. Is supportive of the needs and welfare of citizens, and department members.
3. Attends department training drills and training classes to increase his knowledge of fire department techniques, procedures, and personnel.
4. Assists at the scene as directed by the I.C.
5. Attends fire department functions.

C. Required skills, knowledge, and abilities
1. Be knowledgeable and competent with still and video cameras.
2. In good physical health.
3. Have the ability to effectively communicate with people who are under great emotional burden and stress.
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Plainfield Emergency Refreshment Team (P.E.R.T) (Application Form)

P.E.R.T. (Canteen) response shall be provided to provide proper hydration and food for department members operating at emergencies, training, or events as described.

A. Summary
Under the general supervision of the Deputy Fire Chief, P.E.R.T. will provide a comprehensive canteen program within the fire department. Supplies and equipment are located at each station, with Stat. #1 having the bulk of extra supplies. It is not the intention of the fire department to place any member of the team in “harms way”. Team members shall not be allowed in areas considered to be dangerous.

B. Response
1. P.E.R.T. will automatically respond on all confirmed fire alarms, and any alarm that the I.C. requests.
2. Be sure of all locations and directions.
3. P.E.R.T. members will report to the I.C. upon arrival. The I.C. will make all P.E.R.T. location assignments.
4. No team members will enter the emergency scene without the permission of the I.C.
5. Team members will be asked to volunteer for non-alarm events, (live practice burns, prevention programs, etc.) as requested by the Chief or Deputy Fire Chief.
6. Team members will wear ID's and green vests identifying them as “P.E.R.T.” at all scenes.
7. When the team is not available, the I.C. shall make arrangements to assure that proper hydration of department members is maintained.
8. Providing food to “on scene” personnel is a judgment call by the I.C. based on; time of day, length of response, anticipated time on scene, and number of previous alarms.
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