Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Lanesborough Volunteer Fire Department. This page provides a brief explanation of the basic requirements, the application process, members’ duties and probationary requirements, as well as the Fire Department Structure.

The Lanesborough Volunteer Fire Department has been saving lives and property in the Town of Lanesborough for over 70 years. The community relies on dedicated volunteers willing to commit the time necessary to our department to respond to more than 350 emergency calls per year. The department responds to fires, rescues, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, motor vehicle accidents, forest fires, fire alarms, and public service calls. Department membership offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become part of a team that is dedicated to saving lives and property. We hope you will make the commitment needed to become part of this team and, as such, part of the tradition of excellence.

Membership Application Process

 Obtain an application at the station on any Wednesday night from 6pm-9pm.

 Fill out ALL portions of the application.

          Include copies of any training or certifications with your application.

          The application should be placed in a sealed envolope.         
 Deliver the application to the firehouse to any officer.

 The Interview Committee will review your application and you will be called to setup an interview. Interviews are usually held at 6:00 pm on Wednesdays, and consist of a verbal interview and further explanation of Fire Department procedures and expectations.

 The Interview Committee will decide whether your application should proceed to the Department for a vote. New applications are voted on quarterly. If your application is approved, you will begin a 6 month probationary period.

Probationary Member Requirements

During your probationary period you will, with the help of your Mentor, go through the Orientation Checklist:

LFD Orientation Checklist

When you have completed the above training you will submit the completed Checklist to the Training Officer for review. If approved, he will then administer an oral examination. This test is based on information you have learned along with information on the Department’s Policies and Procedures, communications (radio skills, incident response reference material, such as maps and map books) and Fire Department structure. Completion of the mandatory training components should be within 1 year of your appointment. The Training Officer will take into account the availability of mandatory classes.

During your probation you are subject to the approval of the membership. You are encouraged to come down to the station and spend time with the members. This allows you to get to know your fellow firefighters and for them to get to know you. You are also encouraged to participate in as many fundraising and training drills as possible. However, if you cause any disruptions or problems during your probationary period, you will be dismissed and you will be asked to turn in your equipment. As a member of our department, you will be held fiscally responsible for all department issued equipment.

As a probationary member, you are encouraged to run as many calls as possible. There are no restrictions on what time of day you run, or what types of calls you run (unless you are a junior member). However, your assigned duties on any call will be relevant to your current level of training.

At the conclusion of your 6 month probation period, you will be voted on by the membership to become a full active member of the department. Keep in mind, your participation in the training program will weigh heavily on the memberships decision.

Training

Training is divided into several areas namely, Basic firefighting skills and equipment, mandatory Fire/EMS training and Firefighter levels I and II which are available in-house and through the State.

Basic Training:

This training is mostly done on Wednesday nights. You will learn basic skills and equipment usage. Your mentor will help you with these.

Mandatory Fire/EMS Training:

All members are required to complete classes in CPR (8hrs.), Bloodborne Pathogens (3hrs.), Hazmat Awareness (8hrs.) and Advanced First Aid (24hrs.) within the first 90 days, given they are available. EMT classes and recertification are also available. In addition all new members must complete the Berkshire County Recruit Class (24 hrs.). The availability of this class varies depending on the number of recruits who need it. The understanding is that new members will take this class as soon as it becomes available. The class is designed to further advance your basic knowledge. Areas covered include:

 Personal Protective Equipment

 Basic fire ground operations

 Ropes & Knots

 Search & Rescue

 Ladders

 Fire Streams

All training is normally done at the station. The Berkshire County Recruit Class is held in several locations throughout the County.

Firefighter I & II:

The Department is currently training our members to the Firefighter I/II level. Although this level of certification is not mandatory in the Commonwealth, we strive to maintain the highest level of expertise and professionalism for our members. We highly recommend new members to complete the in house computer-based Firefighter I/II program. This course will prepare you to become Firefighter I/II certified through the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. Written and practical exams are required to complete this course.

Fire Department Structure

The Lanesborough Fire Department:

The department consists of a Chief, two Assistant Chiefs, two Captains, Training Officer/Captain, two Lieutenants, Senior Firefighters, EMTs, Junior Firefighters, and Probationary members.

The Line Officers (Chief, Asst Chiefs, Captains & Lt’s) have sectioned responsibilities for specific areas, both operational and administrative. They are responsible for the supervision of personnel both in and out of the station along with various other duties. In the absence of a line officer, the highest-ranking Senior Firefighter (highest trained with most tenure in Department) is responsible for the supervision of personnel. In the absence of a senior firefighter, responsibility falls to the highest-ranking firefighter and so on.

The Lanesborough Fireman’s Association:

The Association consists of the Board of Directors and its officers, which include the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer and all past and present members of the fire department. The Association owns the station and is responsible for its upkeep including the areas surrounding the buildings. It sponsors and promotes fundraising and social functions.

The Fireman’s Association relies heavily on donations to fund our operations. To obtain these contributions requires many hours to be devoted by our volunteers. All of our members are asked to participate in as many fundraisers as possible.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, probationary membership requirements or about the Fire Department in general, please feel free to call the station at 443-2321 (business phone) and leave a message. Someone will return your call as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your interest in the Lanesborough Volunteer Fire Department.