Volunteer Firefighters

The Hopkins Fire Department is a blend of schoolteachers, managers, truck drivers, service technicians and sales representatives—just to mention a few. The strength of the department lies in this diversity of people dedicated to giving back to the community in an exciting way.

Qualifications

Volunteer firefighters must:

  • be at least 18 years old
  • have a valid Minnesota Driver's License
  • be able to respond from home or work to the fire station within 12 minutes under normal driving conditions, obeying all traffic laws
  • pass a physical agility and mental aptitude test
  • complete a medical examination, drug test and interview with the hiring committee

Benefits (as of Jan 1, 2011)

In their first year, volunteer firefighters receive on-call pay of $8.97 per hour for each emergency response and drill attendance. After their first year, firefighters receive $13.52 an hour for emergency response and drills. Some activities are not paid. 

Firefighters who complete at least five years of service with the department are eligible for a pension.

Training and time commitment

New members receive basic firefighting and emergency medical training. Training is usually done on weeknights. There are also regularly scheduled weekly in-house training drills, as well as educational courses provided through Hennepin Technical College. Continuing education is offered throughout a firefighter's career.

  • Mandatory meetings and drills will be required approximately 3 hours per week. Activities are held on Thursday evenings although other arrangements can be made if necessary.
  • Basic firefighting and medical training will take 3 to 6 hours per week for at least the first year.
  • Responding to emergencies takes about 4 hours each week.

There are also opportunities to be a part of special projects such as standbys, community service and fire prevention activities. Depending on your commitment, you could spend 2 to 8 hours each week involved in these activities.

Working around your job

Getting released from work to respond to calls is a matter between you and your employer. Some employers permit their employees to respond to emergencies during the work day.

Contacts

  • Fire Chief

    952-548-6451
  • Inspections & Fire Secretary

    952-548-6320
Firefighters in front of Fire station

Hopkins firefighters