HONOR - SERVICE - COMMUNITY - NATION
Sam Bass Fire
volunteer
2023/4 Sign UP is CLOSED
2025 Sign Up is OPEN - Estimated Start Fall/Winter 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 18 years of age
- Complete a 12 week SBFD Volunteer Process
- Meets weekly
- At least 1 Saturday during the 12 weeks
- Be able to lift and carry heavy objects up to 100 lbs
- Be in good physical health. Complete a Physical Agility Test (PAT)
- Be willing to obtain SFFMA or TCFP fire certification of Texas
- Required to obtain bunker gear
- SBFD periodically puts on an SFFMA fire academy as needed
- Required to obtain bunker gear
- Be willing to become an EMT-B or EMR certified.
- SBFD does not offer an EMT-B/EMR course or offer financial aid
- Possess a valid TX drivers license, with no major violations on your driving record
- All volunteer members shall wear black boots, navy blue BDU or cargo pants with
a SBFD t-shirts or polo shirts during PRs, station staffing, or ride outs - Prospective members (12 week volunteer process) shall wear black boots, navy blue BDU and a solid gray shirt until voted into the department.
- I don't have any experience, can I still volunteer?
- Yes! We provide SFFMA academies as needed to get our volunteers certified as a FF in the state of Texas.
- I already have SFFMA or TCFP fire certifications, can I volunteer?
- Yes.
- I have fire certifications from another state, does that count towards obtaining bunker gear and being a cleared operation FF?
- No, you must have or get your certifications converted to either Texas SFFMA or TCFP fire certifications.
- Do I need to live close to your stations to volunteer?
- We do not have a hard distance requirement to volunteer.
- The ideal volunteer for SBFD lives within our coverage area as to reduce the time to respond to our stations for staffing requests. See our ESD page for coverage area.
- Can volunteers run lights and sirens on their personal vehicles (POV)?
- No, members must obey traffic laws when responding to the station for volunteer call outs, station staffing, or events.
- Does SBFD pay for fire certifications?
- Yes, if certification is done through SBFD academy. SBFD periodically holds SFFMA fire academies as needed for volunteer members.
- Does SBFD pay for EMT certifications?
- No, SBFD does not compensate members for EMT academies or certifications.
- What are the qualifications for driving and operating apparatus?
- For brush and support trucks you must have a Texas issued Class C or higher Drivers License
- For Engines, Tenders, and Ladders you must have a Texas Issued Class B or higher driver license and SFFMA or TCFP DPO certification.
- For brush and support trucks you must have a Texas issued Class C or higher Drivers License
- When am I issued live fire bunker gear?
- Once you are certified by the state of Texas as a basic firefighter with either SFFMA or TCFP.
- What is the process for becoming a member of SBFD?
- You must complete the 12 week volunteer process
- Vote in by the board of directors at one of our quarterly business meetings.
- Do volunteers at SBFD get paid?
- No, SBFD does not compensate volunteers.
- Can being a volunteer lead to full time employment with the department?
- Yes, volunteers are more than welcome to apply when our normal full time hiring processes is open.
- What if I need to miss a week during the 12 week volunteer process?
- We understand that life happens. For this reason, you are allowed 2 excused absences during the process.
- If you have 1 or more un excused absences then you are liable to be removed from the process.
Requirements For Becoming A Volunteer:
Volunteers continue to be a vital resource for Sam Bass Fire Department. The department began in 1980 as the Sam Bass Company of the Round Rock Volunteer Fire Department and was staffed solely by volunteers. Today we serve our community by using compensated staff and volunteers. We welcome those with no experience and already certified firefighters to become part of our team. To become a member you must attend one of our new volunteer processes which are held as needed and usually annually.
How to Volunteer.
- Signup using this form. Details of our volunteer process will be emailed to you.
- Must complete the SBFD 12 week volunteer process. (allowed to miss a max of 2 weeks during the process)
- Fill out an application and bring it with you to the SBFD orientation course.
- All prospective members shall complete a background check, drug screen, driving record and medical screening. See Checklist for details.
- All perspective/probationary members are to complete the SBFD member checklist.
- Turn in all paper work and certifications during the 12 week volunteer process to the SBFD Board of Directors Secretary
- Training one night a week starting at 18:30 hours. ( lasts 2 hours ).
- All equipment necessary for fire fighting after training is completed.
- Assistance in completing SFFMA fire certifications.
- Camaraderie and skills necessary to work in a team environment.
- Protect and server your community. The SBFD volunteer goal is to be the 4th FF on our ladder truck company at Station 2.
- Minimum 1 shift per month. Timing and duration of shift are flexible.
- Volunteers also help cover the district during high demands and large incidents. They also help the compensated crews with public education and can ride as an extra FF on any shift.