WHAT DOES IT TAKE?
THE PROCESS
So you’re interested in becoming a member of the Echo Hose? The basic requirements to join are simple.
- You must be at least 16 years old
- Must reside within 10 miles of our station; 379 Coram Ave | Shelton, CT
If you meet those requirements, your next step is to fill out an application for membership. This can be done online (HERE) or in person. A $20.00 application fee will be collected at some point during the process. Upon receiving your application, a company officer or investigation committee member will contact you to schedule a time for you to come in for a tour and interview. Don’t stress over the interview, as it is more of an informal meeting to learn about who you are and why you would like to join our company.
Once the above has been completed, you will be required to pass a medical examination and background check. Upon successful completion of each item, your application will come before the company. Once accepted by a favorable vote, you will officially be a member of the Echo Hose Hook & Ladder Co.1 and your journey as a Shelton Firefighter will begin.
MEMBERSHIPS
Associate/Social
This class of membership allows citizens to be a part of the firehouse with no firefighting responsibility. You may attend meetings, events and other functions.
Auxiliary
Auxiliary members provide a special service to the Echo Hose. They assist in social events, fundraisers, community outreach and much more.
Junior (16yr - 17yr)
Applicants 16 to 17 years of age fall in this category of membership. You still learn and train to become a firefighter with limited abilities until you become 18 years of age. Once 18, you come before the floor for a vote to probationary firefighter.
Probationary
Those who join at 18 years of age or older are considered a probationary firefighter. You undergo a 13 month probation period where you are expected to perform tasks, training, chores and a certain percentage of alarm responses. During this period, it is your chance to prove your abilities to yourself and your fellow firefighters.
Active
Active members are those who have completed their 13 month probation period and found favorable by their fellow firefighters to be voted in as an active firefighter. You are still required to maintain a certain percentage of alarms yearly, attend required training, events, fundraisers and other functions vital to the success of the Echo Hose.
Veteran
Any Active member upon the anniversary of having served 20 years as an active firefighter may be eligible for this membership status. Any active or honored member who has served a minimum of 10 years as an active
firefighter, shall at the age of 45 years be eligible for this membership status as well.
Honored
Any active member who has been in active service for 10 years, may, upon written request, be transferred to the honored roll.
Life Honored
Any member who, in the opinion of the Company, has rendered an outstanding service to the Company may be elected to the Life Honored Rolls.
SOME REQUIREMENTS
Attend alarms, drills, meetings, work parties, fundraisers, and company events. Perform your assigned firehouse chore and learn the apparatus equipment. Respect the public – Being a firefighter is an honor and a privilege. Being issued a badge doesn’t mean you deserve special treatment.
DO WHAT IT TAKES
As a probie you will have specific duties, know what they are. Stay physically fit – Firefighting is one of the most demanding jobs in the world. Be accountable – The only person accountable for your actions is you. If you make a mistake, own up to it.
INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
Top Responder of the Quarter – Each quarter the Recruitment and Retention Officer will be award the top 5 responders of each company. LOSAP (Length of Service Awards Program) – Attend (6) drills, (3) meetings, and 20% of calls for 3 years. If the company responds to over 700 calls, members must attend 15% of calls. After 3 years you start to become vested. The age to begin collecting is 65. Free Training – The city pays and or will reimburse you for all training. Training classes such as Firefighter III, Fire Instructor, Fire Officer, Water, Elevator Technician, EMT, MRT, etc. The satisfaction of serving your community!
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Having the opportunity to serve your community as a firefighter is an honor and a privilege. On the contrary, firefighting is a business of service. When people are having the worse day of their lives they call us for help. They call us and let us into their homes because they trust us and believe we are professional. If you do not attend training and put forth the necessary effort, you put yourself in danger, your fellow brothers in danger, and the public in danger.