What do I do when there is a call?

When your pager goes off, you are to respond to Station #1 on Bennett Drive. In doing so, you must follow all posted speed limits and traffic signs and signals. Responding to an emergency in your personal vehicle gives you absolutely no authority to break any traffic laws. The department does not issue green lights, nor does it issue Green Light Certificates that allow the use of green lights. Please keep in mind that from the moment you leave your driveway, you are representing our fire department. Any lack of good judgment on your part will reflect directly on the entire department.

What do I do once I'm at the station?

When you get to the station for a call, initially you will be put on the sideline. Please watch, ask questions, and get to know and understand how we operate. Remember, you are learning everything from square one at this point. If you arrive at the station after the truck and/or ambulance has already left, stick around and do not leave! We will need your help putting apparatus back in service, or we may have a second call while the first is still going on. Any way you look at it, you will be utilized. You will also not get credit (or any stipend) for responding to the call if you have left before the apparatus return.

When will I get to drive the apparatus?

Before you will be allowed to drive any apparatus, you will be trained in it’s unique driving characteristics and pump operations. Washington State uses the EVAP (emergency vehicle accident prevention) course, and Whatcom County Fire District 8 also follows this standard. This course consists of an 8-hour classroom session, followed by a driving session for each type of apparatus. Your final step will be to attend the Pump Operations class through the Whatcom County Training Institute (when offered).

To maintain your driver’s status, you must take EVAP refreshers every year, and drive a minimum of two hours per apparatus per year. You will also be required to attend the Pump Operations class through the Whatcom County training Institute.

How and when should I wear my department uniforms?

When responding to calls, all members responding or simply standing by shall be dressed in uniform. Acceptable forms of your uniform are coveralls, your station uniform, your department t-shirt, department baseball hat, or bunker gear. Hats shall be worn with bill facing forward. There are no cutoffs, tank tops, shirts of questionable taste, nylon, spandex, flip flop sandals, court or tennis shoes (unless solid black), college or other baseball caps, etc. Please use good judgment in the clothing you wear to the department. Again, what you wear is a direct reflection of the entire department.

I get paid?

Historically, our volunteers received no monetary compensation for the fire protection and EMS services they have provided. Within the recent past however, the administration of Whatcom County Fire District #8 has elected to compensate its members as a way to thank them for their time and dedication.

        On Probation                               Probation completed

        $20 per 12-hour shift                   $60 per 12-hour shift

        $40 per 24-hour shift                   $120 per 24-hour shift

        $60 Holiday shift (24hrs)           $140 Holiday shift (24hrs)

Each month, you will receive a check from Whatcom County that reimburses you for the duty nights that you have stayed. The rate of your pay depends your probationary status. The chart above explains the pay scales.

Be advised, taxes are not taken out of Whatcom County stipend checks.