Implement a Program
Use these resources to start, manage, or expand your Fire Corps program.
Resource Guides and Toolkits
- Fire Corps Department Starter Kit (Second Edition)
This Starter Kit is a complete compilation of the tools and resources a department needs to start, implement, and market a local Fire Corps program. Included in the Starter Kit are the Fire Corps Resource Guide, sample documents, marketing and recruitment resources, and organizational resources. - Fire Corps Resource Guide (Second Edition)
The Fire Corps Resource Guide is designed to help fire/EMS departments wishing to establish or enhance Fire Corps programs. The Resource Guide includes information on starting and administering a local Fire Corps program, enhancing an existing Fire Corps program, recruiting and retaining citizen advocates, and much more. It also includes profiles of several successful Fire Corps programs and sample documentation. Fire Corps would like to thank the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the Volunteers in Police Service Program for their contributions and support in the creation of this Resource Guide. - Recruitment and Retention Guide: Understanding Volunteerism Today and For the Future
Retention and recruitment of volunteers is critical to the success of any program, yet both can pose significant challenges to the organization seeking help. The Fire Corps Retention and Recruitment Guide will help fire and emergency service departments understand volunteerism today and provides ideas and suggestions for retaining and recruiting volunteers for Fire Corps programs. - Fire Corps Toolkit For Citizen Corps Councils (Second Edition)
Created by Fire Corps specifically for Citizen Corps Councils, this Toolkit is a compilation of the tools and resources needed to promote and support Fire Corps programs in your region, state, or community. The Toolkit includes sample documents, a Starter Kit that can be disseminated to departments, brochures, promotional videos and PSAs, and other resources aimed at helping Citizen Corps Councils reach out to local fire and emergency service departments as well as to citizen volunteers. - CERT & Fire Corps: Working Together To Build Stronger Communities
This guide outlines how CERT and Fire Corps can work together to build stronger communities. It looks at the challenges faced by both programs and shows how working together can help overcome these challenges. This guide also includes profiles of departments that have successfully combined their CERT and Fire Corps efforts to develop a comprehensive program that benefits fire and emergency service departments and the communities they serve. -
Fire Corps has created the Home Safety Checklist to help your Fire Corps team implement a home safety check program in your community. The Checklist provides a basic, step-by-step approach to ensure residents in your community are safer and more secure. Use this Checklist to identify hazards in and around the home, as well as hazards that are associated with a variety of household situations, including those where children, older residents, pets, and/or those with disabilities may reside. To order printed copies of the Home Safety Checklist, fill out the Fire Corps Resource Request form and return to Fire Corps at info@firecorps.org email or fax to 202-887-5291.
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In an effort to assist your program in providing critical services to your community, Fire Corps has partnered with First Alert to provide a smoke alarm donation program for registered Fire Corps programs. Your program may apply for these free smoke alarms by filling out the Smoke Alarm Request Form. Please keep in mind that quantities are limited and restrictions apply.
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Getting Started With Firewise
Fire Corps and the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise Communities program partnered to develop a Firewise toolkit. Getting Started With Firewise provides information about building and maintaining communities in a way that is compatible with our natural surroundings and can be used by Fire Corps teams across the nation to help protect property and natural resources from the threat of wildland fires. The toolkit is available to all registered Fire Corps programs. To order, fill out the Fire Corps Resource Request form and return to Fire Corps at info@firecorps.org email or fax to 202-887-5291. - All-Ways Fire Safe at Home Module
Fire Corps and the Home Safety Council (HSC) have partnered to develop a fire safety module that can be used by Fire Corps teams across the nation to implement a comprehensive fire and life safety public education program at the local level. Based on the HSC's All-Ways Fire Safe at Home program, this module is comprised of four fire safety education programs that Fire Corps teams can use to promote fire and life safety to community members in different stages of life, from preschool to older adult. To order, fill out the Fire Corps Resource Request form and return to Fire Corps at info@firecorps.org email or fax to 202-887-5291. - Fire Corps Liability Guide
Fire Corps partnered with the Public Entity Risk Institute to release this Guide that identifies and addresses liability issues related to operating a Fire Corps program. - Fire Corps Liability Presentation
This PowerPoint presentation provides an overview to educate department and Fire Corps members about liability issues relating to Fire Corps. - State Liability Laws for Charitable Organizations and Volunteers - 4th Edition
Beginning with an overview of the liability environment, this publication provides a state-by-state review of the evolving landscape of charitable immunity and volunteer protection laws. - Obtaining 501 (c)(3) Status for Your Fire Corps Program
Outlines the steps to obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status for your Fire Corps program.
Grants and Funding
Fire Corps is intended to be a low-cost way to increase your department's capacity and services, but there may be some costs associated with starting, implementing, expanding, and marketing your program depending on the activities and initiatives you choose. Click here to learn more about funding opportunities and resources available.
Sample and Customizable Documents
- Introduction to Fire Corps (PowerPoint)
Use this PowerPoint to educate your department's leaders and personnel, as well as members of your community, about the mission, background, and value of implementing a Fire Corps program. Use this presentation as-is or tailor it to reflect your department’s needs. You may consider adding specific information about your state, region, and department or listing the individual roles that Fire Corps members can fulfill within your organization. - Customizable Introductory Letter to Department Chief (Word)
This letter is intended to be used by Citizen Corps Councils to notify local departments about Fire Corps. - Customizable Volunteer Application (PDF)
- Customizable Volunteer Application - Spanish (PDF)
- Customizable Policies and Procedures (Word)
- Customizable Liability Waiver (Word)
- Customizable Liability Waiver - Spanish (Word)
- Customizable Image Release Form (Word)
- Customizable Image Release Form - Spanish (Word)
- Customizable Activity Time Log (Word)
- Customizable Activity Time Log - Spanish (Word)
- Customizable Individual Time Log (Word)
- Customizable Individual Time Log - Spanish (Word)
- Customizable Letter to a Member of Congress (Word)
- Bernalillo County (NM) Fire Department
Volunteer Section Manual (PDF) - California Department of Forestry & Fire Prevention
Volunteer in Prevention Application, Service Agreement, and Parental Consent Form for Minors (PDF) - City of Glendale (AZ) Fire Department
Agreement and Confidentiality Statement (PDF)
Auto Accident (PDF)
Communications and Technology (PDF)
Discipline Policies (PDF)
Drivers License Information Request (PDF)
Safety Policy (PDF)
Substance Abuse, Conduct, and Harassment Policy (PDF)
Volunteer Agreement (PDF)
Volunteer Application (PDF)
Volunteer Fire Duties (PDF)
Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities (PDF)
Waiver of Liability (PDF) - City of Las Vegas (NV) Department of Fire and Rescue
Waiver of Liability/Indemnification Agreement (PDF) - College Station (TX) Fire Department
Training Manual (Word) - Johnson County Rural Fire District #1 (Clarksville, AR)
Promotional Materials (PDF)
Mission Statement (PDF) - King County Fire District #40 (Renton, WA)
Amateur Radio Support Group Newsletter (PDF) - King of Prussia (PA) Volunteer Fire Company
Bylaws (PDF) - Macomb Township (MI) Fire Department
Certificate of Training (Word)
Instructor Prerequisites (Word)
Operating Guidelines (Word)
Photography Agreement (Word)
Volunteer Application (PDF)
Volunteer Background Check Authorization (PDF) - Northwest Fire District (AZ)
Training Procedures (PDF) - Ormond Beach (FL) Fire Department
Fire Corps Policy (Word) - Russell Township (OH) Fire Department
Russell Auxiliary Force Manual (PDF) - Selma (CA) Fire Department
Position Description – S.A.F.E. Ambassador (Word) - Sheppton-Oneida (PA) Volunteer Fire Company
Membership Application (PDF)
