Who certifies volunteer firefighters?
Texas volunteer firefighters are not required by state law to be certified. However, our department, as well as most other volunteer fire departments in Texas, voluntarily adhere to the training curriculum of the State Firefighter's and Fire Marshal's Association (SFFMA) of Texas. This organization will certify volunteer firefighters at the Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Master levels. Its training curriculum mirrors that of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP).

Career firefighters in Texas are required by law to be certified by TCFP - a state agency. They generally receive their training through state-certified training academies.

Volunteer firefighters who have achieved SFFMA Advanced certification and hold emergency medical certification, may challenge the TCFP examination to become TCFP-certified basic structural firefighters. Several of our members have done so.

Parker Fire Department does not certify firefighters, but coordinates with SFFMA to provide recognized training to them so that they may obtain certification. For safety, we do require that our members achieve at least SFFMA Basic certification before engaging in structural firefighting activities.

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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?