For teenagers 14-17 years of age we have a Cadet program, similar to the Fire Explorers programs seen across the United States. In this program cadets attend regular weekly drill and learn the basics related to firefighting and medical emergencies. Cadets are able to perform many of the tasks of a firefighter, however climbing ladders, entering burning structures and being in a hazardous situation is strictly prohibited. After six months probation the cadets may begin responding on emergencies. Usual tasks of cadets is medical transcribing and fetching supplies and equipment, traffic control, and changing air pack bottles. If the cadet is 16 years in age, he or she may undergo training to become a Medic First Responder and begin basic medical procedures on emergency scenes. Also at age 16 cadets can take classes on Wildland Firefighting and respond on grass, brush, forest and wildland fires during the fire season.

Cadets are a heavily relied upon resource for Drakes Crossing. Cadets gain on the job experience and several former cadets have moved on to pursue careers as firefighters and paramedics.

Adults

Adults can volunteer in three positions:

Firefighters

Firefighters are the mainstay of Drakes Crossing. New recruits are sent to an academy in the fall or spring for training. upon completion of the academy firefighters are ranked as entry level, allowing them to enter burning buildings.

Firefighters respond on all types of calls and are assigned to different duties such as vehicle extrication, firefighting, medical assisting, traffic control, helicopter landing zone operation, hazardous materials response, and wildland firefighting. Training possibilities for firefighters is greatly varied and may firefighters elect to train in the medical field in addition to fire.

Medics

Medics are trained in emergency medicine. there are three levels of medics that typically appear on volunteer fire departments: Medic First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician(EMT)-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic.

Medical calls make up the vast majority of Drakes Crossing's emergency calls, so medics are always in need. Several personnel on our department have elected to just be Medics, which is welcomed, however firefighter certification is recommended.

Support Volunteers

Support Volunteers are a new addition to our district and we anticipate that they will play a critical role in providing service to the community. While they do not engage in emergency response activities such as fire fighting or rescue, they provide the necessary support to meet the districts mission. Some of the common activities of Support Volunteers include public education, fire prevention activities,and photography/historical archives. Support volunteers respond to extended time scenes to help the firefighters by providing food and refreshments and working in rehabilitation at fires.