Community Involvement

440 - Fire Department Volunteers

Volunteers for the Santa Monica Fire Department assist in three areas: as Emergency Volunteer Air Corps pilots who transport personnel in emergencies; Disaster Communications Services, amateur radio operators who assist with drills and in emergencies; and assistants to the Support Services Division who perform clerical and computer tasks, public relations duties; and manual labor and errands for the department. There are no fire suppression duties assigned to volunteers. Those who assist with public relations must have completed a minimum of two Fire Technology classes at an accredited college or have related work experience.

The advantages of volunteering are: to have contact with and assist the fire department, to increase work experience and enhance your resume, and to create a personal relationship with Santa Monica Fire Department. If a volunteer performs well for six months or more, he or she may reasonably request a letter of recommendation. Once or twice a year, the department holds a volunteer recognition event.

There is no minimum number of hours per month required of volunteers. The Santa Monica Fire Department considers every donated hour of work as a gift and greatly appreciates the time and effort given by many dedicated volunteers. For more information, please call the Support Services Division at (310) 458-2221, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also call after hours to leave a message and your call will be returned the next business day, or visit us on the web at santamonicafire.org.