How to Become a Volunteer

At Umatilla County Fire District #1, volunteering means more than giving your time, it means making a real difference when your community needs it most. We are a combination fire department where career and volunteer personnel work side by side to protect the citizens of Hermiston, Stanfield, Echo, and Umatilla.

Two individuals practice CPR and ventilation on a training mannequin, simulating emergency medical response.

We welcome individuals who feel called to serve and want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Volunteer applications are accepted year-round, and opportunities range from responding to emergency calls to supporting community events and operations.

As a volunteer with UCFD #1, you become an essential part of our response team, helping save lives, support neighbors, and strengthen the communities we proudly serve. Your commitment matters, and your service makes an impact.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, apply here.

DO YOU QUALIFY?

  • Are you 18 years of age or older (or will you be by the start of the academy)?
  • Do you have a valid Oregon driver’s license with a good driving record (or the ability to obtain one)?
  • Are you physically fit or motivated to improve and able to pass our physical agility test?
  • Do you have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent?
  • Are you eligible to become DPSST certified?

CAN YOU COMMIT?

  • Can you respond to at least 10% of calls each year?
    (UCFD#1 responds to an average of 6,000 calls annually)
  • Are you interested in assisting with inter-facility transports to hospitals in the Tri-Cities, Portland, Boise, Ontario, and Heppner area?
  • Can you complete a minimum of 60 hours of training each year?
    (Volunteer training is held every Thursday at Station 23.)
  • Are you able to attend special events and the occasional mandatory drill, with advance notice?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A VOLUNTEER?

We welcome individuals who are passionate about providing medical care to their fellow community members, even if they are unsure about becoming certified firefighters. If your calling is to help people in their time of need, there is a place for you at UCFD #1.

Our program allows volunteers to begin serving their community quickly by responding to emergency medical calls after completing an academy led by Battalion Chief of Training, Wes Blood.

A firefighter in gear carries a hose alongside a fire truck, focused and dedicated to their duty.

UCFD #1 provides comprehensive training opportunities, including CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Response Training , and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training.

For those interested in fire service certifications, we also offer a blended, self-paced Firefighter I training program that combines online learning with hands-on instruction. This flexible approach allows participants to earn their NFPA Firefighter I certification (at a minimum) at a pace that works for them.

Firefighters are training with a ladder truck at a training facility, focused on building rescue skills.
Two individuals practice CPR and ventilation on a training mannequin, simulating emergency medical response.
A firefighter in uniform, wearing a helmet, focused on operating a control panel of a fire truck.
Two men are grilling hot dogs outdoors while wearing masks and gloves. It's a sunny day.
First responders practice emergency medical procedures on training mannequins in a classroom setting.
A firefighter smiles from the driver's seat of a fire truck, dressed in a uniform with reflective stripes.
Firefighters are practicing with hoses near a fire truck during training, ensuring readiness for emergency situations.
Firefighters are battling flames with a hose, showcasing their efforts in a smoky, dangerous environment.
A fire truck with a smiling firefighter giving a thumbs up, alongside a passenger and child inside the vehicle.
A firefighter operates a ladder truck in front of a building engulfed in flames and heavy smoke.
A firefighter in gear is using tools in a dimly lit setting, focused on a task, with faint lights in the background.
Firefighters are training with a ladder truck at a training facility, focused on building rescue skills.
Two individuals practice CPR and ventilation on a training mannequin, simulating emergency medical response.
A firefighter in uniform, wearing a helmet, focused on operating a control panel of a fire truck.
Two men are grilling hot dogs outdoors while wearing masks and gloves. It's a sunny day.
First responders practice emergency medical procedures on training mannequins in a classroom setting.
A firefighter smiles from the driver's seat of a fire truck, dressed in a uniform with reflective stripes.
Firefighters are practicing with hoses near a fire truck during training, ensuring readiness for emergency situations.
Firefighters are battling flames with a hose, showcasing their efforts in a smoky, dangerous environment.
A fire truck with a smiling firefighter giving a thumbs up, alongside a passenger and child inside the vehicle.
A firefighter operates a ladder truck in front of a building engulfed in flames and heavy smoke.
A firefighter in gear is using tools in a dimly lit setting, focused on a task, with faint lights in the background.