INTRODUCTION TO THE FIRE SERVICE

The Allenstown Fire Department is a combination Career / Call Department with two full time uniformed personnel and several paid on call personnel. The Fire Department is a Municipal Department within the Town of Allenstown, New Hampshire.

As an employee, you will be expected to always act in a professional manner. As a firefighter, you will see many citizens at the worse possible time. You will see pain and suffering, you need to be compassionate, helpful, trustworthy, understanding, and dedicated.

Firefighters are called for emergencies through a radio paging system. All personnel are expected to respond to all calls, unless prevented from doing so by absence from the area, work, illness, or other legitimate reason.

Firefighters are paid an hourly rate based upon certifications, qualifications, and rank. Theses wages should not be considered as a major source of income.

Today’s fire service provides a multitude of services for the community. As a firefighter you will not only be expected to battle all types of fires, but you will also be required to perform emergency medical services, rescues from vehicles, and water type incidents. You will also be performing high angle rescues, below grade rescues, building collapse and hazardous materials.

Firefighters are there in time of trouble; citizens usually call the fire department, as they know we will always be there to help. We assist other agencies when called upon, and standby for any kind of disaster.

As you can see, a firefighter’s job is hazardous. In fact, it is the most hazardous occupation short of actual live combat. It is not only hazardous, but also one of the most physically demanding occupations known.

The Allenstown Fire Department considers firefighter safety as the most important criteria during emergency work and training. We will provide you with the best possible protective equipment, training and fire-ground management that can be provided.

As an Allenstown Firefighter you will be required to successfully pass various training and certification courses before you will be able to perform hazardous duties.

Training sessions and work details are a regular occurrence. A minimum of three evening training sessions per month is scheduled with additional training as necessary.

As you can see, becoming a firefighter will require a considerable commitment from you. You should also be aware that fires and other emergencies do not always occur at the most convenient times. Firefighters may be called any time, day or night, hot or cold weather, during natural disasters or other major events.

We realize that people have lives to live, have to make a living, spend time with family and occasionally, even get away from things. At the same time, you should also make sure that your immediate family understands the commitment you are contemplating. We recommend that you talk to your family before making this commitment.

As a member of the Allenstown Fire Department, you will also have the option of joining the Allenstown Firefighters Association. This association was formed in the 1970s to assist the department in fund raising and other activities to benefit fire protection, public education and charitable contributions.

The fire service has a long tradition of helping people. It is one of the most rewarding and at the same time, challenging occupation. At times, it can be very glamorous and at other times one of the dirtiest job, there is.

Allenstown Fire Department is an Equal Employment / Equal Opportunity Employer.