Information herein applies only to Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department.
PLEASE NOTE: the answers contained herein may or may not apply to other
Fire Departments and are superceeded by any rules or requirements of the State of Indiana.
Contact your local Fire Department or State Fire Marshal's Office for specific information in your area.
How am I trained to be a firefighter?
The State of Indiana sets requirements regarding the number of hours of training you must attend before you become a Firefighter. Currently the Mandatory Training Requirements include hours in the following areas:
ORIENTATIONPERSONAL SAFETY
FORCIBLE ENTRY
VENTILATION
APPARATUS
LADDERS
SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS
HOSE LOADS
STREAMS
SPECIAL HAZARDS
Mandatory Training for successful applicants of Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department is provided by the LTVFD or other Departments in our area. Training must be completed within the 6 month Probationary Period, but is usually scheduled in a much shorter time-frame.
Do I take a test at the end of the initial training?
You will be expected to prove knowledge in all areas of the Mandatory Training Program upon completion. This may be conducted through written or oral questions, or a combination of both. After proficiency is proven the Fire Chief must authorize your ability to respond to alarms.
Is this all the training I will need?
You are required through the State of Indiana and the By-laws of Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department to attend on-going training sessions throughout the year. Until you are considered proficient at any task you will be teamed with a Firefighter with more experience. You will be considered a recruit/trainee on probation for a period of six months following the completion of your Mandatory Training. This Probationary Period may be extended if it is felt that further training is necessary.
What other types of classes or training are available?
On-going training sessions held by the Department cover all areas of firefighting and the other emergencies to which we respond.
Sessions may include Advanced Residential Firefighting, Rope Rescue, Hazardous Materials Response, Medical Emergencies, Auto Extrication, First Responders Certification,
EMT Certification, CPR, and various other topics.
Classes are also offered by other Fire Departments and Firefighting Schools. As a firefighter
in good standing, you may be eligible to attend these sessions with the Department covering the cost of the classes.
What other requirements are there?
All active duty Members of the Department are required to meet a minimum standard checking Department equipment and apparatus as set forth in the By-laws.
This "Truck Check" is currently scheduled on Monday evenings.
All active duty Members of the Department are required to meet a minimum attendance standard for Monthly Meetings as set forth
in the By-laws. Monthly Meetings are held the first Monday each month.
All active duty Members of the Department are required to answer a minimum of the total alarms (runs) as set forth
in the By-laws. All active duty Members of the Department are required to attend a minimum number of Department held training sessions and a minimum number of work details as set forth
in the By-laws.
How much will my gear cost?
Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department furnishes all active duty Firefighters with a turn-out coat, pants, suspenders, gloves, boots, hood,
helmet and safety glasses at Department expense. If you wish to provide personal gear or add to the minimum required gear, items must be pre-approved by the Fire Chief and are
your personal financial responsibility. Certified First Responders and EMT's are furnished with a Nomex jumpsuit at Department expense. Full members of the Department are also furnished with a uniform, nameplate and badge at Department
expense.
As a volunteer Department with limited resources, we require all gear and uniforms to be returned when a member leaves the Department. This gear may be re-issued.
Are there membership fees or dues?
This Department has no membership fees or dues.
When can I drive the trucks?
A licensed driver at least 21 years of age may train to Engineer apparatus. After training is complete authorization from the Fire Chief is required prior to responding as an Engineer on any alarm.
What if I am not 18 years old?
You may apply for membership as a Junior Firefighter if you are at least 16 years of age. Written permission from a parent/guardian must be on-file with
the Department before your application will be accepted.
There are special requirements and circumstances for Junior Firefighters including, but not limited to:
Junior Firefighters may not operate power tools or equipment or any firefighting apparatus.
Junior Firefighters must complete the same training and probationary requirements as all other Department recruits.
Junior Firefighters must be authorized by the Fire Chief before being allowed to respond to any alarm.
Junior Firefighters will have no voting rights or privileges.
Junior Firefighters may be bumped from any alarm response on apparatus if necessary by a more qualified Firefighter or Junior Firefighter.
Does the Department give "Blue Lights" to members?
You may be authorized by the Fire Chief to run blue lights when responding to alarms. These lights are not required, are not provided by the Department, and are your financial and legal responsibility. You are expected to abide by ALL traffic laws when and if you use a blue light to respond to alarms. A blue light does not give the right to break any traffic law including speeding. If authorized by the Fire Chief to use blue lights, you must carry your authorization card when using the blue light to respond to alarms. Any violation of laws or Department regulations regarding blue lights may result in revocation of your blue light authorization, disciplinary action, or termination from membership.
What is the Grievance Committee?
The Grievance Committee is a panel of Firefighters appointed by the Fire Chief. The Committee does applicant interviews, background checks, presents applicants to the Membership and is in charge of the voting procedure for new Members. This Committee also handles problems and complaints and recommends disciplinary action when necessary.
What is the area served by LTVFD?
Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department serves Lafayette Township, including Floyds Knobs. We have agreements to assist other Departments in our area including, but not limited to, Georgetown, Greenville, Sellersburg and New Chapel in New Albany Township. In extreme emergencies we may be called upon to assist other Departments.
How do I apply for Membership?
Applications for Membership are available at LTVFD Station One by appointment. You may also print our On-line Application.
What happens after I submit an application?
You will be contacted by the Grievance Committee for an initial interview. The Committee will also conduct a background check including verification of parental permission for Junior Firefighter applicants.
If there is available room on our Roster, the procedure is as follows:
You will be presented to the Membership at a regularly scheduled Monthly Meeting
You will become eligible for a vote for Recruit Status Membership at the following regularly scheduled Monthly Meeting
Following being voted on as a Recruit/Trainee your Mandatory Training will be scheduled.
What if I have more questions?
You may CONTACT US and Email your question or arrange an appointment to discuss any questions you may have.
If you live outside Lafayette Township
we recommend you contact your local Fire Department or State Fire Marshal's Office.
It takes a special person to be a Firefighter and/or EMS provider.
It takes time, dedication, strength, skill, and courage.
It takes a strong desire to help those in need.
It takes a huge commitment to your Community and your Department.
It takes a bond of brotherhood with the Firefighters and EMS personnel with whom you serve.
If you have what it takes we can help you achieve your dreams.
