Membership
There are two basic membership categories for the fire company. The first are our social members. These members are members of the community who wish to be involved as supporters of the company, but do not desire, or are physically incapable of responding to emergency incidents.
The second category is our active members. These members are the core of our response force. Being voted into active membership allows you to be an emergency responder in one of four response categories:
1. Fire Fighter
2. Fire Police
3. Apparatus Driver-Operator
4. Rescue Team Member
Any resident of the Town of Ledyard, and Naval personnel or family members living in base housing or on the submarine base is eligible for membership in our fire company. The membership process begins by the completion of an application for membership.
Once received by our membership committee, the following events will occur:
1. The Connecticut State Police will conduct a criminal background check. The nature of our business as a public response agency requires that we ensure members of our company intend to join to help in our community.
2. The membership committee will:
a. interview you,
b. check with your references,
c. present the applicant to the company for a membership vote.
Once voted into membership a medical review will be conducted by the Town Physician to determine suitability for emergency response service. To serve as a firefighter or rescue team member you must be cleared to wear respiratory protection. A full physical is performed if you have not received one in the past year. The physical will include a pulmonary function test and an Electro Cardio-Gram (ECG).
A pulmonary function test consists of you blowing as long and as hard as you can into a machine. The test is actually a series of these exhalations and they are recorded and then compared to what is expected of your age group and your previously recorded results. This test determines if you have the lung capacity to safely wear a respirator. The physical is not difficult and assures both you and the fire company that you can safely perform the duties expected. The ECG looks at your normal heart rhythm and rate to ensure there are no issues with strenuous work required of fire fighting activities.
You will also meet with the Fire Chief for indoctrination and to get the information necessary to start your six-month training and probationary period.
We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you as a member of our team!
