Volunteering

There will be no 2022 volunteer recruitment. While the Lynden Fire Department is still accepting applications, we hope to revisit the volunteer program in 2023.

All those interested in becoming a volunteer with the Lynden Fire Department are encouraged to call the station at 360-354-4400 during normal business hours where your name and contact information will be taken. The Lynden Fire Department accepts applications for volunteer positions one time per year, prior to the Fall Fire Recruit Academy. Volunteers will be invited to an orientation meeting where they will be asked to submit their application. During this orientation, the volunteering process will be explained and an interview with the Department Officers will be scheduled. A pre-employment written test will also be scheduled where a score of 85% or higher must be achieved in order to proceed.

The next steps in becoming a volunteer are taking a physical agility test and a pre-employment physical provided by the Department. Once you've completed both of these steps, you are officially part of the Department and will be issued your gear while you prepare to take part in the Fire Recruit Academy.

During Your First Year at the Fire Department

During your first year with the Department, you will go to the County Fire Recruit Academy where you will earn your Firefighter I certification. You will also be required to go to an approved Emergency Medical Technician course. Courses for both programs are Tuesday and Thursday evenings as well as Saturdays. After you've successfully finish the Fire Academy and EMT programs, you are committed to serving one year with the Lynden Fire Department. Each of the programs, Fire Academy and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), cost $1,200 and you will be expected to pay $600 of that cost. After serving with the Fire Department for one year, and receiving both certifications, you will be reimbursed your $600 investment.

As a member of the Department, you will be on duty for either a 12 hour shift or a 24 hour shift depending on scheduling. When you aren't on duty, you are still encouraged to respond to all fire calls. You will be paid the State set minimum wage rate per hour while on duty.

Supporting Each Other & the Community

All of the members of our Department are proud to support each other and our community, and strive to be the best Department in the County. While we welcome new volunteers, we recommend you give serious consideration to the commitment you would be making should you decide to pursue volunteering as an Emergency Responder for the City of Lynden.