Become a Volunteer Firefighter

Join South Blooming Grove Fire Department & Independence Fire Company

For nearly five decades, the members of Independence Fire Company, proudly serving the South Blooming Grove Fire District, have protected our neighbors as a 100% volunteer organization. Every emergency response, training exercise, and community event is made possible by dedicated men and women who choose to serve something greater than themselves.

Volunteering is about far more than fighting fires. It means becoming part of a close-knit team committed to protecting lives, preserving property, supporting your neighbors, and making a difference when our community needs it most.

Whether you’re interested in becoming an interior firefighter, assisting with emergency operations, or supporting the department in other meaningful ways, there is a place for you. No prior experience is required. We provide all state-required training, protective equipment, and ongoing support to help you succeed.

South Blooming Grove Fire District
South Blooming Grove Fire District

Membership Requirements

To become a member of Independence Fire Company, applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age (16 years of age with Parent/Guardian Permission)
  • Be medically capable of performing firefighter duties
  • Successfully complete a required background investigation
  • Be willing to complete New York State firefighter training and become qualified as an Interior Firefighter

Why Become a Volunteer Firefighter?

🚒 Protect Your Community

Make a real difference by helping your neighbors during emergencies and times of need.

🎓 Free Professional Training

Receive New York State firefighter training, specialized certifications, and ongoing education at no cost.

🤝 Lifelong Friendships

Become part of a team that feels more like family, built on trust, teamwork, and shared experiences.

💪 Build Confidence & Leadership

Develop skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and emergency management that benefit both your personal and professional life.

❤️ Serve Something Bigger Than Yourself

Experience the pride and fulfillment that comes from helping others during life’s most challenging moments.

🚨 Exciting & Rewarding

Every call, every drill, and every community event offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference.

Your Community Needs Volunteers Like You

Every member of Independence Fire Company started exactly where you are now—with a desire to make a difference. Whether you’re a student, tradesperson, healthcare worker, business owner, retiree, or simply someone looking to give back, there’s a place for you on our team.

Take the first step today and become part of a proud tradition that has protected the South Blooming Grove community since 1975. Please fill out the application below and our Recruitment Committee will review your application and contact you regarding the next steps in the membership process.

South Blooming Grove Fire District

Want to learn more before applying?

We invite prospective members to visit the firehouse every Wednesday evening from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Meet our members, observe a training drill, ask questions, and see firsthand what it means to be part of Independence Fire Company.

Have questions before applying?

Visit our Contact Us page or contact the department directly. We’d be happy to answer your questions and help you determine if volunteering with Independence Fire Company is right for you.

More Than Volunteering—Become Part of a Tradition of Service

Joining Independence Fire Company is simple. Please fill out the application below to begin your journey toward becoming a volunteer firefighter.

Anything marked with an asterik (*) is a required field.

Are you a United States Citizen?

Have you ever been convicted of a crime in this or any other jurisdiction?

Have you ever served as a volunteer or paid firefighter?

Has your license ever been revoked or suspended?

Are you a homeowner?

Are you a veteran?

Do you have a fear of heights?

Are you aware of the dangers of being a firefighter?

Are you willing to volunteer for services during an emergency in this or any other district to which you may be called?

Do you have a reasonable amount of time available to both answer emergency calls and attend company activities, drills and training sessions?

Will you respect the command of superior officers and accept the responsibility to uphold the rules and regulations of this department as set forth by the Board of Fire Commissioners and Chief Officers of the South Blooming Grove Fire District?

South Blooming Grove Fire District Application for Membership

To the best of my knowledge the above information is correct and by signing this application, consent is given for a full investigation of all statements contained herein. Failure to provide truthful and accurate information may be grounds for denial of this application and may result in dismissal from membership if discovered after acceptance and appointment.

Applicant consents to the Fire Company, fire department, and/or Fire District conducting a full background and arson check. Said check may include a search of available public records relative to criminal convictions. A search of the records of the New York State Department of Motor for the purpose of verifying driver’s license class, validation – suspension, revocation status, and driving records relating to moving violations and accidents, and a search of any records available from credit reporting agencies, courts or other governmental entities maintaining pertinent governmental records. Applicant consents to such pre-­‐appointment investigations, and to any periodic post-­‐employment searches deemed necessary by the Board of Fire Commissioners and Chief Officers.

Applicant understands that he or she is applying for the position of Firefighter, and if accepted will be required to perform the duties of an interior structural firefighter which duties include the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), as defined by New York State. Failure to meet this requirement or willingness to become a qualified interior firefighter within two years of application shall result in the termination of the application. Applicant further understands that he or she will be required to take a physical examination at the time of application and yearly thereafter in accordance with the district’s policy in order to make certain that he or she is physically able to perform the duties to be assigned in accordance with the Federal OSHA guidelines as adopted by the State of New York and enforced by the New York State Department of Labor. (Said entrance level physical examination contains a requirement of drug testing). The applicant is responsible for the cost of the initial physical examination. Applicant agrees to abide by all rules established to provide for his or her safety. Written authorization from a Doctor showing results of exam and authorization to wear SCBA must be provided to the membership committee before applicant can be issued firefighting gear or start training.

I, (the above applicant) am aware and wish to join the South Blooming Grove Fire District as Volunteer Firefighter.

SaveClear

If applicant is under the age of 18 a parent/guardian must fill out the following and sign the bottom, or the application will not be accepted.

I, the parent/guardian of (the above applicant) am aware and give (the above applicant) permission to join the South Blooming Grove Fire District as Volunteer Junior Firefighter.

SaveClear

Upon submitting the application, a $15.00 dues fee must be received by South Blooming Grove Fire District in order for the application must be processed. This can be dropped off or mailed to the address below. All money can be in the form of cash, or check/money order made out to "South Blooming Grove Fire District".

Address for to drop off or mail application fee to:

South Blooming Grove Fire District
Independence Fire Company
819 Route 208
Monroe, NY 10950