Firefighter
The full role: fire suppression, vehicle extrication, and rescue. Requires state certification training, which we arrange and pay for. Physically demanding, and the most in-demand position we have.
The Honest Pitch
It's Hard, It's Unpaid, and It Matters More Than Almost Anything Else You'll Do
We won't oversell it. You'll get called out at 3 a.m. in February. You'll miss part of a birthday party. You'll train on nights you'd rather be home.
You'll also be the person who shows up when your neighbor's worst day arrives. You'll learn skills most people never get. And you'll be part of something this town has kept alive since 1894.
Volunteer departments across Indiana are short on people. Not on trucks — on people.
If you've ever thought about it, this is us telling you plainly: we need you, and we'd be glad to have you.
There's More Than One Job
Ways to Serve
Not everyone needs to go through the front door. A department runs on a lot of different kinds of people.
Support Member
Non-interior roles that keep the operation running: driving, running the pump, refilling air bottles, traffic control, scene lighting, and rehab — getting food and water to crews on a long call.
Medical Response
Most of the calls a modern department runs are medical. If you're an EMT, a nurse, or willing to train, you'll be busy and you'll be needed.
Auxiliary & Fundraising
Cook for the fish fry, organize the raffle, keep the books, manage the website and social media, or write grant applications. This work funds everything else we do.
Just Ask
Got a skill we haven't listed? Mechanic, welder, accountant, photographer, IT? Small departments make good use of whatever walks in the door. Tell us what you can do.
The Basics
What We Ask of You
The bar to get started is lower than most people assume. We're looking for reliability and willingness far more than experience.
- Be at least 18 years old — no exceptions
- Hold a valid driver's license
- Live or work close enough to Claypool to respond
- Pass a background check
- Be in reasonable physical condition for the role you want
- Attend our meetings, held the 2nd & 4th Monday of every month
- Show up when you say you will
Worried you're not qualified? Almost nobody is on day one. We have members who joined at 19 and members who joined at 45. Come talk to us before you count yourself out.
No Cost to You
What We Give You
- Training, paid for by the department — Firefighter I & II and other state certifications
- All your gear — helmet, turnout coat and pants, boots, gloves, and air pack
- Real skills — fire behavior, extrication, first aid, pump operations, hazmat awareness
- A crew — people who will have your back for the rest of your life
- Standing in your community — earned, not given
You should not have to spend your own money to serve your town. You won't here.
Step by Step
How Joining Works
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01
Reach Out
Fill out the form below, call the station, or stop by. There's no formal application process to start — just a conversation.
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02
Come to a Meeting
We meet the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month at the station. Come see what we actually do and meet the crew before you commit to anything. Nobody will pressure you.
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03
Apply & Get Approved
Complete a membership application, background check, and any required physical. Membership is voted on by the department.
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04
Get Geared Up & Trained
We fit you for gear and get you into training. You'll ride and learn alongside experienced members before you're turned loose.
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05
Answer the Call
The tones drop and you go. Same as the men who did it here in 1894, with better equipment and a lot more training.
Take the First Step
Tell Us You're Interested
This isn't an application and it doesn't commit you to anything. It just tells us to get in touch.
Common Questions
What People Ask Us
How much time does it take?
More than you'd guess, less than you fear. Expect regular training nights and department meetings, plus calls whenever you're available to respond. Nobody expects you to make every call — you respond when you can, and the department covers the rest. Being honest about your availability is far better than over-promising.
Do I need experience?
No. The vast majority of our members walked in with zero fire experience. We train you from the ground up, and you'll never be sent into a situation you haven't been prepared for.
Does it cost me anything?
No. The department provides your gear and pays for your certification training. You supply the time.
Can women join?
Yes, and we'd like more of them. Women serve as firefighters, officers, EMTs, and support members on departments all over Indiana. Every role here is open to you.
What if I can't do interior firefighting?
Then do something else. Driving the truck, running the pump, refilling air bottles, handling traffic, and manning rehab are all essential and all keep the department functioning. There is no shortage of important work outside the building.
What does my employer need to know?
Talk to them before you join. Some employers will let volunteers leave for daytime calls; others can't. Either way, it's worth an honest conversation up front so nobody's surprised. If your employer supports you, tell us — we like to thank them publicly.
Come See for Yourself
Stop by the station on North Main, call us, or send the form. Ask every question you've got. Nobody joins a fire department by accident, and nobody here will push you into it.