Be A Volunteer
WELCOME TO DOUGLAS-OKANOGAN COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 15!
You may or may not be aware that all fire districts in the state of Washington are created and empowered by the Revised Code of Washington, Title 52. Not only are Fire Districts governed by the contents of this particular code but since they are also a political subdivision of the state, Fire Districts are required to comply with various other regulations at both the state and federal levels.
Title 52.02.02 defines a fire protection district as an agency "for the provision of fire prevention services, fire suppression services, emergency medical services, and for the protection of life and property in areas outside of cities and towns, except where the cities and towns have been annexed into a fire protection district or where the district is continuing service pursuant to RCW 35.02.202."
The Fire District receives its operating funds from taxes collected by Douglas-Okanogan County Fire District #15 via a set levy against the real and personal property in the district. In short, the Fire Districts' sole reason for existence is to benefit the taxpayers of the District and the public at large.
As a volunteer employee of the Douglas-Okanogan County Fire District 15, the importance of your contribution in meeting our goals and fulfilling our mission statement cannot be overstated. Our goal is to provide the finest-quality services to the citizens of Douglas-Okanogan County Fire District #15 and the larger community.
You are an important part of this process for your employment directly influences the District's reputation.
Eligibility for Membership
Prospective applicants must complete an approved District application form and submit it to a District officer. Applicants will require a criminal background investigation and a driving record check through local, state and/or federal law enforcement agencies. Applicants are requested to volunteer any information which would reflect negatively on these initial checks to any District Officer. If review of records reveals negative information not previously volunteered by applicant , he/she may face disapproval of application. All Douglas-Okanogan County Fire District 15 members may have an annual records check. If annual records check reveals criminal information or negative driving infractions, member may face probation, suspension or dismissal from the Douglas-Okanogan County Fire District 15.
The Membership Committee for each station will review applications. Upon approval or disapproval of the applicant, the Membership Committee will submit recommendation to the District officers, including the Fire Chief.
Approved applicants will serve as firefighters on the District roster for a six (6) month probation period. At the end of six months, the new member's performance will be reviewed for possible removal from probation status.
All volunteer firefighters are automatically covered by the Washington State Volunteer Firefighters' Relief and Pension Act. Specifics from the Procedures Manual of the Volunteer Firefighters' Relief and Pension Act are found in Appendix A of this manual.
Minimum Age Requirement
An individual must be at least Eighteen (18) years of age in order to be accepted and participate as a member of Douglas-Okanogan County Fire District 15.
Individuals between the ages of 16 years and 18 years may join Douglas Okanogan County Fire District 15's Cadet Firefighter Program and will not have full participation privileges.
