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Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department

When Disasters Happen...We Are Here For You!
Fire Department Members with 'Thank You Cambridge' banner
Proudly Protecting The Cambridge Valley
-26 Unpaid Volunteer Active  Firefighters
-Average 1109 Hours of Firefighter Training Annually (2018)
-Average 3588 Hours Spent Answering Alarms (2018)
From Ordinary Citizen to Firefighting Superhero
Wouldn't it be great to get involved with the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department? 
Be the Hero Your Community Needs: Volunteer with the Cambridge Fire Department Today.
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Fire Up Your Passion

By volunteering with the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department, you will have the opportunity to serve your community and contribute meaningfully to your local community. As well as helping your community and saving lives, you can gain valuable skills, make lifelong friends, and gain a sense of fulfillment and pride.

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Beyond The Flames

In addition to training in emergency response, firefighting, and leadership, volunteering as a firefighter has numerous other benefits. You can develop skills in many different situations through this training. This is valuable both personally and professionally.

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Protect and Connect

Besides developing skills, volunteering for the fire department also provides opportunities for teamwork and camaraderie. The department is a tight-knit group of people who work together to protect their community and build lifelong friendships in the process.

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A Chance to Give Back

Most importantly, volunteering with the fire department gives you the chance to help your community and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q

What are the qualifications/requirements to become a volunteer firefighter in New York State?

While individual fire department requirements may vary — say different minimum ages for entry from 16 to 18 for example — overall to be a volunteer firefighter you need to be an adult who is physically able to perform the duties of the type of fire department role you are applying for. The physical and medical qualifications to be an interior firefighter may vary from those for an exterior firefighter, emergency medical service provider or support member.

Q

Is there a maximum age to join my local fire department?

No, there is not a maximum age to join your local volunteer fire department. If you are physically able to meet the medical requirements for the role you are applying for, your application will be considered. Also keep in mind that while you may not meet the medical/physical criteria to be an interior firefighter, you may meet the criteria to serve as an exterior firefighter, a driver, fire police member, EMS provider or fill an important support role.

Q

I have no prior firefighting or emergency medical experience — can I still join?

YES! The majority of our volunteer firefighters and EMS providers come to the volunteer fire service with no prior firefighting or emergency medical experience. Your local fire department and local training centers and programs will provide you all the training you need.

Q

Firefighting and EMS duties can be dangerous — what will the fire department do to protect me while i am responding to emergencies?

Your local fire department will provide you with all the emergency personal protective equipment (PPE) you need to be kept safe while responding to emergency calls in your community — and all at no cost to you! The fire department or the local government authority having jurisdiction over your fire department will also provide volunteer firefighters and EMS providers with a program of insurance coverage similar to workers' compensation for medical treatment of fire department duty-related injuries and illness with no out-of-pocket cost to the injured or ill firefighter.