Volunteering in the community is critical to receive an interview with a career fire department. Although job postings may not state this as a requirement however it is one of the first things fire chiefs or HR will typically look for.
True volunteer work is making a difference and providing a benefit to others in the community with no compensation.
Commitment is important. One day boot drives or blood donating clinics although is still giving back to your community, it is more beneficial to volunteer over a period of time.
Volunteer firefighter is not usually considered true volunteer work. Why? You are typically compensated financially and the reason why you are volunteering is to gain experience to become a career firefighter.
