Join the Palmyra VFD Team

Palmyra Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for dedicated community members who want to make a real difference. Whether you’re interested in firefighting, emergency medical services, or supporting our operations, there’s a place for you on our team.

Why Volunteer?

• Serve Your Community – Make a direct, meaningful impact on the safety and wellbeing of your neighbors
• Learn Valuable Skills – Receive professional training in firefighting, emergency medicine, rescue operations, and more
• Build Camaraderie – Join a tight-knit team of dedicated individuals who share your commitment to service
• Personal Growth – Challenge yourself, build confidence, and develop leadership abilities
• Career Opportunities – Gain experience and certifications that can lead to professional firefighting careers

Volunteer Positions

Firefighter

Our firefighters respond to structure fires, vehicle fires, wildland fires, and other emergency incidents. Firefighters receive comprehensive training in:

• Firefighting techniques and tactics
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
• Search and rescue operations
• Ventilation techniques
• Fire prevention and investigation

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

EMRs provide critical first response medical care at emergency scenes. Training includes:

• Patient assessment
• CPR and AED usage
• Bleeding control and wound care
• Spinal immobilization
• Medical emergencies and trauma care

Driver/Operator

Apparatus operators are responsible for safely driving and operating fire department vehicles. Requirements include:

• Valid driver’s license
• Completion of driver training program
• Pump operations certification
• Aerial operations (for ladder trucks)

Requirements

To become a volunteer firefighter with Palmyra VFD, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Pass a background check
• Pass a physical examination
• Be able to meet physical fitness standards
• Complete required training courses
• Live within a reasonable response distance of our stations
• Commit to minimum monthly training and response requirements

Training Program

All new volunteers complete a comprehensive training program:

Basic Training

• Intro To Fire and Emergency Services – 16 hours classroom – mandatory
• Basic Firefighting – 64 hours classrom and hands on – mandatory
• FFI and FFII live burn – full day hands on training – mandatory
• Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations – Understanding and responding to hazmat incidents
• Vehicle Extrication – Tools and techniques for rescuing trapped accident victims
• Emergency Medical Responder – Basic emergency medical care (if pursuing medical response)

Ongoing Training

• Monthly training drills
• Annual certification renewals
• Specialized training opportunities

Time Commitment

We understand that our volunteers have jobs, families, and other responsibilities. We work with each volunteer to find a commitment level that works for them. Typical expectations include:

• Monthly training sessions (offered several times each month)
• Emergency response availability (varies by role and personal schedule)
• Station duties and maintenance
• Community events (several per year)

Benefits

Palmyra VFD volunteers receive:

• All necessary training at no cost
• Personal protective equipment provided
• Opportunity to earn Professional certifications recognized statewide and nationally

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Here’s how to get started:

1. Submit an Application – Complete our volunteer application form (available at our stations or online).
2. Background Check & Physical – All applicants must pass a background check and physical examination.
3. Orientation – New members attend an orientation session to learn about department policies, procedures, and expectations.
4. Begin Training – Start your training program and begin your journey as a Palmyra VFD volunteer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any prior experience?

No prior experience is necessary! We provide all the training you need to become a qualified firefighter or emergency responder.

What if I have a full-time job?

Most of our volunteers have full-time jobs. We schedule training in the evenings and on weekends, and we work with your schedule for emergency responses.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to join or participate. All training, equipment, and uniforms are provided by the department.

Do I need to live in Palmyra?

While you don’t have to live in Palmyra specifically, you should live within a reasonable distance of one of our stations to respond to emergencies in a timely manner.

Contact Us to Learn More

Interested in volunteering? Have questions? We’d love to hear from you!

Email: eric.s.gregory@gmail.com
Phone: [Your Non-Emergency Number]

Visit Us:
Main Station
3283 Harris Circle
Palmyra, TN

You can also stop by the station during our training nights (typically the last sunday of each month from at least 2 to 4 pm) to speak with members and learn more about volunteer opportunities.