Join the Manchester Fire Department as an Auxiliary Firefighter.  America has a long tradition of volunteer service.  In many communities, volunteering is an economic necessity.  However, most volunteers also fulfill a call to civic duty, and receive the satisfaction of helping their friends and neighbors. More than half of all fire departments in the United States are staffed entirely or substantially by volunteers.  Volunteer or combination (mixed volunteer and paid) departments are the most common approach to fire protection in smaller communities.  The City of Manchester's tradition of a combination department fits with the pattern of similar smaller communities.  Manchester is subject to many demographic trends that affect volunteerism. Residents balance family and community life with the demands of professional careers. The time and energy for Auxiliary service is limited, and the obvious choices involve activities of short duration. The idea of serving as a volunteer firefighter raises images of midnight alarms, evening and weekend training, and potentially hazardous and difficult service at fire scenes. Therefore, many residents never consider the idea of joining the Fire Department as a volunteer. However, the reality is different from many commonly held perceptions.

Auxiliary firefighters are not expected to give up their careers and family life. In fact, the minimum level of participation in the Department is 50% of specified activities and 50% of alarms. Obviously, a volunteer's ability to respond to alarms is limited by being away from Manchester for professional or personal reasons that must receive priority. The basic idea is to have enough members so that, if each member responds when it is practical, the overall level of response to each alarm is sufficient. There are many jobs to be performed at a fire scene and only the most experienced and trained members of the Department are assigned direct firefighting responsibilities in challenging situations. Other firefighters perform essential supporting functions.

Eligibility for Membership

Membership in the Manchester Fire Department is open to all residents of Manchester over the age of 18, and to a limited number of non-residents who live in nearby communities. Men and women are encouraged to join.

Getting More Information

For more information about membership, call the Departments administrative number at 706-846-2134, or come by the fire station on Perry Street between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm and a member of the Department will provide further information about membership.