East County Fire and Rescue (ECFR) is proud to serve our community with a combination of dedicated full-time and volunteer members. Our volunteer program is designed to offer flexible opportunities for individuals who want to serve their community, gain new skills, and build experience as emergency responders.

Are you ready for a challenge?

• Do you have a desire to serve others?
• Interested in starting a career in fire and rescue services?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, joining ECFR as a volunteer might be the perfect fit for you. No prior experience is required—we provide all the necessary training and equipment at no cost to you.

We offer two flexible volunteer service models to help accommodate your schedule and increase opportunities to serve:

1. On-Duty Volunteer Service: Volunteers can schedule shifts to work alongside full-time staff providing an essential initial response to emergency incidents.
2. Home Response Volunteer Service: For those who live in or near the community, volunteers can respond from home to help staff district apparatus and provide support during larger emergencies that require additional staffing.

Volunteers also have the option to combine both service models, allowing them to serve on-duty and respond from home as needed.

By joining our team, you’ll not only be helping your community but also gaining valuable experience and training in one of the most rewarding careers available.

If you're ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply and become part of the ECFR family!

If you are selected to join East County Fire and Rescue as a volunteer, you will begin your journey by attending a comprehensive Fire Academy. ECFR provides training for firefighters and apparatus operators using virtual classroom and hands on training. This model allows volunteers to increase the scope of their duties as they develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications. This academy will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to succeed in the fire service. You’ll receive hands-on training in all aspects of emergency response, from firefighting techniques to medical care, ensuring you're prepared for the challenges of the job.

Once you complete the academy, you’ll be ready to respond to calls and work alongside some of the best fire service leaders in our region. These experienced professionals will guide you through the complexities of the fire service, providing mentorship and insight that will help you grow both personally and professionally.

As a volunteer, you’ll not only gain valuable skills, but you’ll also experience the deep fulfillment that comes from helping others in your community. The work is demanding but incredibly rewarding, offering a chance to make a real difference when it matters most.

Through this opportunity, you’ll be exposed to situations and experiences that most people will never have the chance to face. In doing so, you’ll build lifelong friendships and connections with fellow volunteers, full-time members, and community partners, all while developing a skillset that could lead to a long and fulfilling career in fire and rescue services.

If you're ready for a challenge and want to serve in a way that truly impacts lives, this could be the start of an incredible journey with East County Fire and Rescue.

If you have any questions call or email today.  

Eligibility requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license

Applicants will participate in a panel interview and if successful must complete the following:

• Criminal and driving record background check
• Physical agility test
• Medical exam
• Drug Screen

Emergency Medical Technician Training is available through the Fire District 5 Training Center or local community colleges (Portland Community College and Mount Hood Community College).

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING A WATER TENDER DRIVER APPLLICATIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!