Resident Firefighter Program 1982 Gass St. Fairhaven, CA (707)

The Fire District The SPFD is located across the Humboldt Bay from Eureka, California. Staffing for the fire district consists of a chief, 12 volunteers, and up to 6 resident firefighters. The district has 2 fire stations and serves 3 small communities. Also located within the district are multiple industrial complexes, a dragstrip, a small airport, a United States Coast Guard station, a power plant, an international shipping port, and a recreational area.

What’s a resident firefighter? The resident firefighter program was created when the SPFD transitioned from a full-time paid fire department to a volunteer department. Resident firefighters live at the district’s primary fire station. In exchange for working several 24-hour shifts a month, residents receive their own room at the station free of rent. In addition, internet, TV, and utilities are paid for by the fire district. Residents have duties similar to that of a paid firefighter. Shifts are typically spent maintaining apparatus, facilities, and planning weekly training drills.

The Fairhaven Station

Training Each week, resident firefighters host training for volunteers. This is a great way to keep skills sharp for those seeking a career in the fire service. In addition to weekly drill, residents have opportunities to attend training burns, specialized fire service courses, and participate in training exercises with other agencies. No training is necessary to become a resident, however all current residents are certified at the EMT-B/FFI level and capable of driving/operating apparatus.

Training…

Fire Service Experience The resident program is a great way to gain experience in the fire service while still being able to attend school or hold a job. Call volume is typically light consisting primarily of medical related calls. Being a resident firefighter allows those seeking a fire service job to keep their EMT skills sharp and continually improve them with real life emergencies. Emergencies of other natures are less frequent though not uncommon. Wildland fires, chimney fires, structure fires, and vehicle accidents/fires are occasionally dealt with.

Emergencies on the Peninsula

Why Become a resident? Residents typically attend Humboldt State University or College of the Redwoods for programs such as Fire Management, Business, Fire Technology, or seek certification as a paramedic. Former residents have gone on to work for agencies such as San Francisco City Fire Department, Los Angeles County FD, Cal Fire, Humboldt Fire District and others. The resident program is a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience and keep skills sharp with more hands-on experience than a volunteer firefighter or reserve firefighter is likely to receive.

...There’s also a lot to do

Contact Info To request an application or additional information contact: Nick Bollier (cell)