Background
In 2010, the Lakeside Fire Protection District initiated a reserve firefighter program and is one of the few agencies within San Diego County to continue to offer this opportunity. The Board of Directors has authorized the Chief of the Department to fill reserve firefighter positions to assist crews with their routine fire, EMS, and station duties.
Reserve firefighters ride on district apparatus and/or ambulances and perform all of the duties as the regular fire crew, including fire suppression, public education, station maintenance, and the response to medical emergencies including providing advanced life support treatment to the ill and injured. After the initial training period, reserve firefighters continue their training, working a minimum of two 24 hour shifts per month on district apparatus. Reserve firefighters are not compensated for their time and must supply their own station uniform. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided by the District.
Reserve firefighters are utilized to augment current staffing levels as well as provide the highest level of multi-discipline training to pre-employment candidates. Participation as a reserve firefighter does not guarantee the position will lead to a paid employee position within the District.
Duties
Reserve firefighters, under direct supervision, attend scheduled drills and perform a myriad of firefighting and EMS skills including but not limited to: responding to structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle accidents and medical aids. Other duties may include vehicle and apparatus maintenance as well as station maintenance. During scheduled ride-along shifts the reserve may be assigned to an engine company or a transporting ALS unit.
Training
Each new reserve firefighter will be required to attend an orientation prior to scheduling their shifts. Upon completion of the orientation, the reserve firefighters will attend a reserve academy consisting of 8 days of training on a myriad of firefighting skills. The reserves will come together collectively to schedule which days they will complete the reserve academy. Upon completion of the reserve academy, reserves will be able to schedule shifts according to District policy.
Each reserve firefighter must schedule at least four 24-hour shifts per quarter and attend one (1) Saturday drill per month. Reserves are assigned a task book consisting of firefighting and station tasks they are responsible for completing.
The reserve program is very flexible and willing to work with the reserves and their busy schedules. The District understands the rigorous steps to becoming a firefighter and will help in anyway shape or form. The District is willing to work with reserves who are in the fire academy and paramedic school. We are dedicated to getting the reserves the necessary experience to become successful firefighter/paramedics.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be 18 years of age at time of application.
- High school graduate or equivalent.
- Must have and maintain a valid San Diego County EMT certification (San Diego County Paramedic license is highly desirable).
- Must have and maintain a valid, unrestricted Class C California Driver License.
- Must have a working telephone at their residence.
- Must be able to purchase required uniforms and safety boots (approximately $500 in total cost).
- Must have CPAT by date of hire.
- Previous fire training or experience is not required but is desirable (Firefighter I academy is highly desirable).
Interested in joining our Reserve Firefighter program?
We are currently accepting applications for the position of Reserve Firefighter on a continuous basis. For more information on this position, visit the Job Opportunities page or you can download an application below.