Fire Department

The Shoals Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to serving the Shoals community in Martin County, Indiana. Located at 201 Water St, Shoals, IN 47581, with a mailing address of PO Box 676, the department relies on community members to join as volunteer firefighters.

Local Shoals firefighters on their fire engine testing the water

Volunteer Application Procedures

Obtain an Application:

Source: Applications must be obtained directly from the Fire Chief. The SVFD does not provide a downloadable application online, so interested individuals need to contact the department to request one.
Contact Information: You can reach out via email at svfiredept@gmail.com or by phone at 812-247-3430. Alternatively, you may visit the fire station at 201 Water St during a scheduled meeting (meetings occur on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 PM) or arrange a time with the Fire Chief.
Process: Request the application form in writing or in person. The Fire Chief will provide the necessary paperwork.

Submit the Application:

Written Application Requirement: Applicants must complete a written application form provided by the Fire Chief.
Submission Deadline: The completed application must be submitted to the Fire Chief at least 30 days before the next regularly scheduled business meeting. This allows time for review prior to the membership vote.
Delivery Method: Applications can be hand-delivered to the Fire Chief at the station or mailed to PO Box 676, Shoals, IN 47581, addressed to the Fire Chief’s attention.

Membership Review and Vote:

Evaluation Period: After submission, the application is held for a minimum of 30 days to allow the department’s active members to review it.
Voting Process: At the next regularly scheduled business meeting (held on the first Monday of the month at 6:00 PM), the membership votes to accept or reject the applicant. This meeting takes place at the fire station (201 Water St, Shoals, IN 47581).
Outcome Notification: Applicants are typically notified of the decision shortly after the vote, though the exact method (e.g., phone call, email, or in-person) may depend on the department’s communication preferences.

Post-Acceptance Steps:

Orientation and Training: Upon acceptance, new volunteers are onboarded, which includes an orientation to department policies, procedures, and equipment. Training requirements (detailed below) must be completed to become an active firefighter.
Roster Entry: Once accepted and trained, the volunteer’s name is added to the department’s roster, which is maintained and approved by the proper officers of the unit, as required by Indiana law (IC 36-8-12-2).

Requirements for Volunteers

Age Requirement:

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. This is explicitly stated by the SVFD and aligns with common standards for volunteer fire departments.

Residency:

While the SVFD does not explicitly state a residency requirement, many volunteer fire departments in Indiana prefer or require volunteers to live within or near their service area (e.g., Shoals or Martin County) to ensure timely response to emergencies. It’s advisable to confirm this with the Fire Chief during the application process.

Physical and Mental Fitness:

Physical Capability: Volunteer firefighters must be physically able to perform demanding tasks, such as carrying heavy equipment, operating hoses, and assisting in rescues. While the SVFD does not specify a formal physical test in public documents, most departments assess this during training or through practical evaluations post-acceptance.
Mental Resilience: Applicants should be prepared to handle high-stress, emergency situations calmly and effectively, though this is typically evaluated informally during onboarding and training.

Background Check:

Though not explicitly mentioned by the SVFD, Indiana volunteer fire departments commonly require a background check to ensure applicants have no criminal history that would disqualify them from serving. This aligns with state standards for public safety roles. Applicants should expect this as part of the process and disclose any relevant history upfront.

Training Commitment:

Initial Training: New volunteers must complete basic firefighter training, which may include Indiana’s Volunteer Firefighter training requirements under IC 36-8-12. This typically involves:
- Firefighting fundamentals (e.g., extinguishing fires, handling equipment).
- Emergency response procedures.
- Safety protocols.
State Certification (Optional): While not mandatory, volunteers may pursue a Volunteer Firefighter Certificate of Completion through the Indiana Firefighter Training System, requiring 191 hours of training (aligned with Florida’s model but adapted for Indiana). Contact the Fire Chief or the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) for specifics.
Ongoing Training: The SVFD likely requires ongoing training to maintain skills, as is standard practice. Meetings on the first Monday of each month may include training sessions.

Pledge and Duty Commitment:

Pledge: Per Indiana law (IC 36-8-12-2), volunteers must execute a pledge to faithfully perform assigned duties, including responding to fire alarms, extinguishing fires, and providing emergency services, with or without nominal compensation (up to $20,000 annually).
Availability: Volunteers must be available to respond to calls, attend monthly meetings (first Monday at 6:00 PM), and participate in training and community events as needed.

Additional Expectations:

Teamwork: Volunteers must work collaboratively with other firefighters and follow orders from the Fire Chief or officers.
Community Service Mindset: As a volunteer-based department, the SVFD emphasizes serving the community selflessly.