South Whidbey Fire/EMS welcomes volunteers from other parts of the state or country to join our force. Requirements are current Washington State FF or EMT certifications (or both).

There is a simple application process in order to ensure you have all the necessary training and qualifications. We look forward to meeting with you.

THE PROCESS:  Complete the Volunteer Application

Completed applications can be scanned and emailed, or faxed or they can be dropped off in person by the applicant at our main fire station.

Email: ops@swfe.org

Fax Number: (360)321-9385

Office Location: SWFE Bayview Fire Station, 5579 Bayview Rd, Langley, WA 98260

If you have specific questions, please call us directly at (360) 321-1533.

•  We will do a background check, conduct a drug test, and contact your previous department. We will request your records as well as review your application. If there is a need for any additional training, arrangements will be made for you to participate by working directly with our local office.  We will also require you to take a work capacity test if you have not completed one within one year.
• In most cases a lateral volunteer .transfer is a very simple process. Once all the documents are in place, approval will be granted as quickly as possible so that you may come aboard and join the volunteer department.
• Please note that any additional training or certificates you may receive outside our district that meets Washington State fire or EMS criteria is also accepted.
• Lateral volunteers will be compensated at the current rates provided for our district volunteers.
• Ongoing training will include district and station training, as well as special teams training if the criteria for the team is met.
• Currently, we will not be offering paid ferry passes for the shifts you sign up for.

As lateral volunteer, you will be coordinating your duty shifts with the full-time supervisor. Duty shifts can be in 4-hour increments, or you sign up for 12 or 24- hour shift. During the shift, you may be assigned to on one of our BLS Aid units or on an engine. If you choose to do an overnight shift (such as a weekend), we have ample sleeping quarters.