I have never belonged to a fire department or never had any special training dealing wtih fire emergencies. Am I wasting my time applying to be a volunteer firefighter?
Absolutely not! Training is available in abundance. It is an ongoing process and a very high priority in our department. You will have the opportunity to learn new skills and expand your knowledge at in-house training sessions held most Tuesday evenings from 1900 - 2100 hours. Several of our volunteer members have even gone on to pursue paid firefighting positions in other communities.


All new members without prior firefighting certification are initially enrolled in Collin College's 167 hour Intro/Basic Volunteer Fire Training Program, located at their McKinney campus. This program is paid for the by county's Excellence Fund and is available at no cost to the candidate. The classes typically meet Thursday nights from 1800 - 2200 hours and Saturdays from 0800 - 1700.

Some members prefer to attend other fire academies located in the North Texas area. Some have accelerated programs that may be substantially completed through online, web-based instruction. If such training is approved by the Training Officer, tuition for training may be reimbursed in accordance with our Standard Operating Guidelines.

Training opportunities, especially those involving specialized rescue, also exist at surrounding fire departments and at Texas A & M in College Station.

All fire/rescue and EMS training in compliant with curriculum standards of the State Firefighter's and Fire Marshal's Association (SFFMA), the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). All of our instructors are certified by one or more of these agencies. They ensure that training is not only conducted in a safe and efficient manner, but that it remains a rewarding and enjoyable learning experience for our members.

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1. What are the requirements to join the Parker Fire Department?
2. Is there anything else that will help my application be accepted by the department?
3. I do not meet all of the above criteria. Can I still apply?
4. Where do I send my completed application?
5. I have filled out my application. Now what happens?
6. Should I include a resume with my application?
7. I have been accepted for an interview and I have been asked to come to the fire station for a job-related physical assessment. What can I expect?
8. How long does it take from the time I drop off my application until I am accepted to the Fire Department?
9. How much time will I be expected to contribute?
10. How many calls does Parker Fire Department respond to in an average year?
11. Am I expected to attend all emergency calls?
12. I am not around all the time, or I work shift work or I would just not be available to respond to calls or attend the training sessions. Does this pose a problem?
13. I realize this is a volunteer fire department, but is there any compensation for attending practices or emergency calls?
14. I have never belonged to a fire department or never had any special training dealing wtih fire emergencies. Am I wasting my time applying to be a volunteer firefighter?
15. Who certifies volunteer firefighters?
16. How many fire stations are there? Where are they located?
17. What type(s) of calls do you respond to?
18. Does the department provide emergency medical services?
19. Are there any full time staff working on the fire department?
20. I am a little apprehensive about being the "new kid on the block".
21. What are the duties of a volunteer firefighter?
22. What items will I be specifically trained in as a volunteer firefighter?
23. What area does the Parker Fire Department provide coverage for?
24. How long do you keep completed applications on file?