“What are the qualifications?”

AVFD crew must pass a background check, an occupational medical exam, and be willing and able to work enthusiastically and cooperatively. There are various roles, requiring different levels of skill and physical exertion; you’ll be expected to know your own capacity and stay within it.

“What do you do?”

We respond to medical aids, traffic collisions, structure fires, wildland fires, hazardous conditions, and public assist requests. In Anderson Valley we have about 300 calls a year. Some are quite serious and some are relatively minor. We’re an “all-call” department, meaning there are no shifts, and we respond when we’re able. Not everyone responds to every call. Some members specialize in areas like Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and become EMTs or ambulance operators. Some focus on other areas such as rope rescue, vehicle extrication, or water tender opertor. As you become more involved, you’ll get an idea of the specialties that you’d like to learn more about and will have chances to train in those areas.

“How much training does it take?”

We provide training so that our members can work safely and effectively. The first training required is a weekend-long “Pager Ready” training, which provides the most basic information about our department and operations. After that, members are required to attend 75% of regularly scheduled training, which is about 6 hours a month. There’s a lot more than that offered, from in-house training to classes with expert teachers brought in from around the state. The members that have lasted longest on our crew have been able to find a commitment that gets them the training to do effective work at scene while balancing the needs of their personal lives.

“Are you on call?”

The ambulance is staffed 24/7, so at any given time two EMS specialists are on call. There’s also a Duty Officer scheduled at all times. Other than that, the firefighters respond as they’re able. Some might be able to leave work or drop what they’re doing for an incident and others might not. You’ll be expected to make it on calls as often as you’re able; it’s the best way to build experience and skills. Active members are requested to tell their station officer when they’ll be out of town for more than a day, especially during high threat periods.

“What is the time commitment?”

Most regularly scheduled training is 2 hours, and members are expected to attend at least two per month. Commitment to an incident can be from 15 minutes to multiple hours, depending on type and seriousness. You’ll also be expected to pitch in around your station occasionally, to keep it orderly and maintained. Before General Training and EMS training is dinner; this is a great time to get to know the rest of the crew, so come if you can. As much time as you can give will be appreciated.

“Is it hard?”

Sometimes, yes. It can be physically, mentally, and emotionally difficult to respond to emergency situations. It’s also very rewarding. The difficulty is outweighed by the many gratifying experiences.

Regularly Scheduled Training

• 1st Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 - Boonville Station Training.

Required for all members responding from the Boonville Station. All are welcome.

• 2nd Tuesdays from 6pm to 8pm - Central Battalion Training.

At the Boonville Station unless otherwise noted.

Required for members responding out of Boonville and Philo Stations.

• 2nd Tuesdays from 6pm to 8pm - East Battalion Training.

At the Yorkville Station unless otherwise noted.

Required for members responding out of Yorkville.

• 2nd Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 - West Battalion Training. At the Holmes Ranch Station. Required for members responding from Holmes Ranch, Navarro, and Rancho Navarro Stations.

• 3rd Tuesdays, dinner at 6pm, training from 7:00 to 9:00 at the Boonville Station.

Required for all department members. Focus on general response skills.

• 4th Tuesdays, dinner at 6pm, training from 7:00 to 9:00 at the Boonville Station.

Required for EMTs and Ambulance Drivers. Focus on medical related skills. All are strongly encouraged to attend.

• 5th Tuesdays – EMS Skill sign-offs. 6pm to 8pm. Occurs 4 times per year. All EMTs are required to submit sign-offs with biannual CVEMSA renewals.

Other Training

Times and locations vary. CPR, EMT class, Pager-Ready, wildland fire training, certification classes, and more all come up regularly and may be anything from 2 hours to several weekends to a semester. Some are required to maintain certifications. Available by arrangement to AVFD personnel interested in advancing their firefighting, EMS, and/or command skills.

Schedule may be subject to cancellations and last minute changes.