Volunteer Firefighters are always
needed to respond to emergencies and operate area fire stations. The Volunteer
Firefighter is the backbone of the Fire-Rescue Agency. Volunteers come from all
walks of life, donating many hours to the community. There are nearly 1
million firefighters in the United States and approximately 70% of
those are volunteer firefighters.
Colleton County is a
combination all hazards fire-rescue department. Colleton is one of
five counties in the State of South Carolina which operates a fire
based EMS System. This means we have full time and volunteer
personnel working side by side on emergency scenes to help those in
need. We provide services in the following areas: Fire Suppression,
Technical Rescue (Confined Space, High & Low Angle, Hazardous
Materials Technician Level Mitigation, Dive Rescue, Advanced Life
Support Treatment & Transport (Paramedic Level). Whether you are
already certified as a firefighter, EMT or Paramedic or have no
training at all, we have a place for you. Colleton County Colleton
County Fire-Rescue covers the cost of all fire and dive related
training. Medical training is a 50/50 cost share. Upon successful
completion and upon obtaining your EMT certification and six months
of active membership, Colleton County will reimburse the member
their half of the course registration cost (based on yearly
budget). Colleton County Fire-Rescue holds volunteer orientation on
a quarterly basis (in January, April, July, and October).
What do we offer our volunteers?
Help Others and Improve Yourself
while Giving Back to the Community
All Personal Protective
Equipment provided at no cost
Gain a sense of accomplishment,
achievement and pride while serving others
Learn new skills and obtain FREE
training that can help others.
Make new friends and be part of
a team that selflessly serves others during what is
often the worst day of their lives
Make a real difference
Receive an annual physical exam
(provided by the department at no cost to you)
Active members receive a limited
benefits package (including a nominal retirement
contribution and pay-per-call/pay-per-training
class) and receive a SC State Income Tax Credit
(participation requirements)
Persons wishing to volunteer can stop by Fire-Rescue
Headquarters at 113 Mable T. Willis Blvdin Walterboro to complete a short application.
A SLED background check is required by SC State Law for any persons
joining a Fire Department. Presently, applicants must not have any
felony convictions nor be
listed as a Convicted Sex Offender.
Applicants must successfully pass an annual physical exam
(provided by the department at no cost), attend regular monthly training classes
and respond to emergencies. Active members receive a limited benefits package.
Call Fire-Rescue Headquarters at (843) 539-1960 for
additional information.
Why Volunteer as a Firefighter? Watch this
video.
If you are under 18 years of age, consider
becoming an Explorer with Colleton County Fire-Rescue. Click
here to find out more information about
our Explorer program.
If you are not interested
in responding to routine emergency scenes or are physically unable
to do so, consider joining our C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency
Response Team). Click
here to find out
more information about our C.E.R.T. program.
