Join Our Team

Nature of the Business

The fire service in Nova Scotia has came a long way since the early days of bucket brigades and horse drawn steam pumpers . It has become one of the most diverse and challenging professions known today. Imagine learning and developing skills to cope with situations ranging from structure fires, medical assist calls, hazardous chemical spills and more. Consider the challenge of helping people at all hours of the day and night, seven days a week, in any kind of weather and very often under highly stressful and emotionally challenging conditions. However, the personal rewards and self satisfaction that comes from being a part of this team is often beyond description.

What's involved in becoming a volunteer firefighter?

To become a volunteer firefighter the first step is to make an application to the department with an attached criminal records & vulnerable persons sector check. To request an application please see below. Once accepted you will be on a 1 year probationary period, in which time you will need to successfully complete Firefighter Level 1 & Standard First Aid & CPR. Then, based on the recommendation of the membership committee, your application for full membership will be presented at a regular meeting.

Do I need any special training to become volunteer firefighter?

Pre-existing training, experience and skills you may already have can be an asset to the department. However, once your application is accepted as a full member, it is expected that you complete your Firefighter Level 1 & Standard Firest Aid & CPR training within the 1 year probationary period. Firefighter level 1 is comprises of 180 hours of theory and practical classroom sessions and is the foundation and fundamentals for all firefighter training. Failure to complete this will severely limit what you are able to do on emergency scenes.

How old do I have to be to join?

At the Chester Volunteer Fire Department applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Our Junior department accepts applicants from 13 - 17 years of age.

What are my commitments if my application is accepted?

You will be required to commit to a minimum of 20% of alarms, 20% of practices & 20% of meetings on top of additional training, community events and the odd fundraiser

What are the benefits of becoming a volunteer firefighter?

There are a wide range of benefits available to volunteer firefighters such as a sense of belonging, achievement, responsibility, self respect, personal growth, development, self satisfaction, contribution to the department, creation of friendships, camaraderie, socializing, feeling valued, being a role model, having fun and enjoying one's environment, opportunities to help your community, build on your resume, license plates, life insurance, training, leadership opportunities, uniforms & clothing, tax credit, banquets and medals.