If you are interested in becoming a volunteer on the Lynden Fire Department, stop by the station during normal business hours. You must be a resident of Lynden–living within the City limits–to apply. We take names and phone numbers all year. Then in late Spring we will call you to come in and pick up an application packet. We start new volunteers one time a year so that you will be ready to attend the County Fire Academy in the Fall. Once you’ve completed and turned in the application packet an interview with the Chief and Officers is scheduled. Then you are given a pre-employment written test. You must score at least 75% on this test in order to proceed. After successfully completing the test, the Chief recommends that you attend at least two training nights—Wednesday @ 7 PM.

The next step in becoming a volunteer is taking a physical agility test. A description of the physical ability required to do the job of a firefighter and EMT is provided in the application packet. The last step is a pre-employment physical provided by the Department through Dr. Dickson’ office. Once you’ve cleared these steps you are officially on the Department and will be issued your gear and uniforms.

Shortly after joining the Department, you will work with the Officers learning CPR, First Aid, scribing, apparatus and equipment familiarization, safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), and how to use self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

After You Join

During your first year on the Department you will go to the Whatcom County Fire Academy. During the second year on the Department you will go to an Emergency Medical Technician class at BTC. Classes for both programs are Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturdays. After you finish your EMT you are expected to give back at least one year of service to the City as the City pays the tuition for both classes.

As a member of the Department you will be on duty for a 12 hour shift or a 24 hour shift depending upon scheduling. When you aren’t on duty you are still encouraged to respond to all fire calls–many people are needed to fight a fire. You will be paid the State set minimum wage rate per hour while on duty.

Training is on Wednesday evenings and it is mandatory.

All of the members of our Department are very proud of this Department and support each other. We strive to be the best Department in the County. We welcome new volunteers and recommend you give serious consideration to the commitment you would be making should you decide to pursue volunteering as an Emergency Responder for the City of Lynden.