What's This Job Pay?
Since it's inception in 1851, the Cooperstown Fire Department has been made
up of community members who volunteer their time to protect their neighbors.
Volunteering takes many forms, and the same is true of our staff. Some members
train as firefighters, other acquire skills and certifications to staff the
ambulance, and some provide security, traffic control and crew support at emergency
scenes. Our members receive no salary for their efforts, but gain valuable skills and training while serving their community.
What We Expect
Squad membership requirements are:
- 18 years of age (unless active in Explorer Post 145, see an officer for details)
- Completion of mandatory background check
- Completion of probationary period (requires attending one or more classes in specific areas)
- Active membership (includes attending meetings, drills and emergency calls)
- Participation on a night call schedule
- Participation on inventory crews
What We Provide
Real Experience
Our fire department is busy, offering great potential for on the job learning.
Averaging over 200 fire calls per year and 800 ambulance calls, Cooperstown
is the busiest volunteer fire department in Otsego County. Many of our members have gone on to college programs in firefighting and emergency medical
services, taking with them a strong knowledge base that can only be learned
on real emergency calls.
Free Training
Depending on interests, each member must obtain training in at least one of
the specialty areas the department provides: Firefighting, Emergency Medical
Services, or Fire Police. Additional levels of training in the specialties are
available, as well as special skills and courses in Hazardous Materials Response,
Vehicle Operations, Search and Rescue as well as others. Members can also choose
to train in additional specialties.
Most training opportunities are offered locally, the exception being travel
to the New York State
Academy of Fire Science at Montour Falls, NY. Most training programs and
associated expenses, once approved by the department, are free of charge.
Free Equipment
Appropriate firefighting clothing and equipment is provided based on chosen
specialty, and is maintained regularly at the department's expense.
Length of Service Awards Program
Active members of the department are eligible to participate in the Length of
Service Awards Program, or LOSAP. This program, underwritten by the Village of
Cooperstown, rewards years of active service with monthly benefits after retirement.
Members earn credit for many different activities, and each earned year increases
retirement benefits.
Health Assessments
Department members are required to complete regular physical exams and respirator
testing. There is no cost for these exams, and they are provided locally several
times each year.
Social Events
Annual events include parades, a Mid-Winter Banquet, golf and bowling groups,
a summer clambake and Children's Christmas Party. Most events are free to members.
Parade and formal uniforms are provided free of charge to active members.
Membership Committee
Our membership committee is made up of several senior members of the department,
and reviews each application received. They interview each applicant, review
references, and complete a state required criminal history. They then report
to the membership of the department, who elect applicants to membership.
Applying for Membership
Email
recruiting@cooperstownfd.orgPhone
Call us at (607)218-HELP and leave a message to receive more information
Stop by the Station
Cooperstown FD is located at 24 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326
The Fire Hall is staffed during meetings and drills (see
calendar for dates/times), or during the day call (607)547-2761 or stop by.
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