Volunteer Program

Volunteer firefighters are the core suppression force for our department for which they provide fire suppression, Search & Rescue and EMS delivery at the First Responder or EMT level. Volunteers train three drill nights every month in addition to specialized training that is scheduled within the department and with other mutual aid agencies. Like any career or combination department, volunteers are highly trained, skilled, professional and are passionate about what they do.

About half of our Volunteer Firefighters live within the Winters community, leaving the other half living in surrounding communities throughout the Yolo, Solano and Sacramento region.

The WFD conducts recruitment for Volunteers 2-3 times each year. Our ability to attract and retain Volunteer Firefighters continues to be a critical need to provide adequate staffing each day. We solicit our program to various sources utilizing our social media, flyers and also to Solano Community College. Many of our Volunteer Firefighters remain in our organization for up to 2-3 years before moving on to other organizations such as CAL Fire or where they receive full-time employment with other fire departments.

Interested in volunteering with the Winters Fire Department? Please fill out the interest form via the link below:

Resident/ Reserve Volunteer Interest Form

For more information, please contact Captain Matthew Schechla, by phone 530-795-4131 ext. 230 or email at matthew.schechla@wintersfire.org

RESIDENT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER

• Must be 18 years old.
• Residency Requirement- Live within the Winters City or District.
• Complete a WFD Firefighter Taskbook.
• Participate in monthly Training Drills.
• Respond to 10% of annual calls.
• Successfully complete 12 months’ probation.

RESERVE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER

• Must be 18 years old.
• Complete a California State Fire Marshal approved Fire Academy or have a Firefighter I certificate.
• Participate in a minimum of three 24hr shifts each month.
• Complete a WFD Firefighter Taskbook.
• Successfully complete 12 months’ probation.

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

The WFD career staff and volunteers make up the Winters Volunteer Firefighters Association. An Executive Board consisting of a President, Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer is elected each calendar year and facilitates association business. The Volunteer Firefighters Association conducts monthly business meetings, hosts several fundraising events within the community and supports local organizations and youth sports.