Volunteer Benefits
South Bay Volunteer Firefighters are Rewarded with Benefits & Incentives
We appreciate and reward our volunteers. As a volunteer with the South Bay Fire Department
you are entitled to several benefits and incentives.
- Stipends
- Tuition Assistance
- Training
- Pension Plan
- Accident Insurances
- Life Insurance
- Resident Program
- Chaplain Services
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fire Fighter’s Association
- Social & Recognition Events
Volunteer Stipends
Volunteers receive a monetary stipend for participation in certain activities such
as attending a drill, pulling a shift or responding to an emergency call. Stipend
rates vary based on your rank, duties, weekend or weekday and location of activity.
All stipend-paid activities must be recorded in the log book and approved by your
supervisor.
Tuition Assistance
Volunteers in good standing are eligible for participation in the Student Tuition
Program and may receive up to $800 per quarter towards an education program.
Students are required to maintain current active membership as a volunteer responder
and must adhere to all district policies, procedures and directives. Please refer
to the information packet for details.
Training
Volunteer applicants are issued a uniform and protective gear then enrolled in initial
training for Emergency Medical Technician or initial training for Thurston
County Recruit Academy. Training activities are scheduled through the Assistant
Chief for Operations & Training. After successful completion of
initial training, volunteers begin a six-month probation period during which time
they are assigned to a mentor. Mentors ensure that volunteers understand procedures
and policies and assist them with any needs that arise.
Training opportunities continue for volunteers throughout their career with the department.
Pension Plan
Following initial training, volunteers are issued a Pension Plan through
the Volunteer Fire Fighters’ & Reserve Officers Relief & Pension Act. Appropriate
paperwork for enrollment is available upon completion of initial training.
Accident & Sickness Insurance
Prior to initial training, volunteers are issued Accident Insurance through
the Volunteer Fire Fighters’ & Reserve Officers Relief & Pension Act. In
addition, volunteers are issued Accident & Sickness Insurance through
the VFIS (Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Services).
Life Insurance
Prior to initial training, volunteers are issued Life Insurance through the
Volunteer Fire Fighters’ & Reserve Officers Relief & Pension Act as well
as through the VFIS (Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Services).
Resident Program
Volunteers in good standing are eligible to participate in the Resident Program;
to occupy and rent one of the District’s dwellings for a minimal rental fee. Interested
applicants must apply through the Assistant Chief for Facilities & Equipment
and will be notified if a vacancy occurs. Applicants are reviewed by the Personnel
Review Board then recommended to the Fire Chief.
Chaplain Services
Chaplain services are available to volunteers and their families for emotional support
during times of crisis or as a resource in situations of need.
Employee Assistance Program
Volunteers are eligible to participate in the Washington State Employee Assistance
Program; a voluntary, confidential service that helps with personal or work-related
problems that may impact work performance.
Fire Fighter’s Association
Members and their families can participate in the Fire Fighter’s Association; a
non-profit group that provides community assistance such as adopt-a-family and Safe
House as well as social activities such as the annual barbeque.
Social & Recognition Events
Throughout the year, volunteers are invited to attend family social events and an
annual recognition ceremony.
Volunteer – not so you can build your resume –
but so you can build yourself.
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