Camillus FD - "Passion equals purpose." What are you here for?

What's it all about? It's about helping people when they need help the most. That is what we do. We also work on health relations with the public and education of the adults and children through the school systems starting with Pre-K.

For you, the new member, there is some basic things we have you do in order to have the basic skills to help. It may sound like a lot at first, however, thousands have come before you and succeeded. There is no out of pocket cost to you. It starts like this;

-The interview. Where we explain what we expect and what you expect. That there are no individuals here, this is a team. This is a serious business and this is the time to ask questions and determine if you are prepared to be part of a team. This is not the place for individuals and drama.

- Getting a department physical so we know what you can safely do.

- Getting issued the Operating Guidelines, policies and by-laws as to how the department operates both in the field and in house. In addition you will receive all local and federal mandated training pertaining to fire fighting and rescue operations.

- Getting matched up with another firefighter called a "sponsor". That person will be with you at all times through the first year and will be available anytime to answer questions and help you in all aspects of the start-up period. Once you have a sponsor, you will receive protective gear known as "PPE" and you will take a few in house training sessions on PESH mandated safety, Hazardous Materials Operation Level, in house Haz-Com (MSDS Information and use), respirator fit testing and initial training. Also you will be trained on the organization of the fire department and chain of command. You will also be assigned to a company with your sponsor. Each company has a set of jobs they do around the station such as cleaning, checking trucks etc. This is a team building thing.

The next phase is to decide what you want to do in the service. Be a driver? Do medical calls only? Fight fires? Help people in car wrecks, etc? Or a combination of all. We can then get you into the training that best fits your needs with Emergency Training Consultants operated by Deputy Chief Bill Mitson from the Syracuse Fire Department. Bill has trained many many folks in his time and has instructors that are second to none in the area. Most training needs we have can be employed right at Camillus. Bill works through the State also on certificates, etc. Bill now does 95% of all Camillus Fire Department Drills in concert with our own officers.

In return, you get a retirement package, tax breaks, use of our in house gym or a membership to a local gym. Use of our full facility including living quarters, wash bays for your own car to be washed, use of the event hall at a discount rate for you and your family.

The biggest things you get are the friends you'll make and the satisfaction that comes from making a difference in people's lives when they need us.

Currently we are 100% volunteer. We'd like you to be our next member. Join our bunk in crew if you'd like. If the calls are not for you, we have other important jobs such as secretarial work, housekeeping and a host of other non-fire functions.

You must be 18 years of age to be a member and 14 years to become an Explorer. There is no maximum age and we also encourage people with disabilities to stop by for a possible position that fits for you.

Camillus Fire Department Incorporated looks forward to you being our next member. Stop by any Monday from 8:00am until 9:00pm or call the house at 672-9207. You may also call 506-9524 to speak with a chief and set up an interview time.

Call or stop by today!!!