Canaveral Fire Rescue

     The members and officers of the Cape Canaveral Volunteer Fire Dept (CCVFD) would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in our Department.  The purpose of this letter is to answer some of the questions you may have concerning our Department and to give to you a basic understanding of the application process and requirements of membership.

     The CCVFD is a combination Department comprised of highly trained and motivated career and volunteer personnel.  The Department is responsible for providing fire and non-transport Advance Life Support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the City of Cape Canaveral and the Canaveral Port Authority.  Station 53 is located in the City of Cape Canaveral and Station 52 is located in Port Canaveral

     The membership process begins by filling out the membership Application.  Your application will then be reviewed by the Training Officer and the Fire Chief.  Following this, a thorough background investigation will be conducted using various means.  All information obtained during the background investigation will be held in the strictest confidence by the Training Officer and the Fire Chief.  Generally, within three weeks, you will be contacted.  If space is available, you will begin an intensive Orientation Program, which will advise you about the fire service, and the Department specifically.  During this period, your intent to proceed with the membership process will be determined.  The Orientation process itself may take up to three weeks, a few hours at a time, and is full of required training to prepare you for membership.  If space is unavailable, your application will be kept on file until a position opens.

     Upon completion of the Orientation, you will be issued a set of protective clothing called "Turnout Gear", and will be allowed to ride on the fire apparatus.  At this point, you will be considered a Probationary Member regardless of past career or volunteer experience. 

The length if the probationary period is up to the individual; however, in accordance with Department Policy it shall not not exceed one year.  Failure to complete all Probationary Requirements within the specified time period may result in removal from the Department.  Although the term Probationary Member may conjure up less than desirable thoughts, you can rest assured that Probationary Members play a vital role in the operation of the Department.  During the Probationary Period, you will learn the basics of firefighting. emergency medical care, and general fire department operating procedures.  Each new member is issued a Probationary Check-Off sheet, which must be completed prior to acceptance as a Regular Member.  In addition to this, each new member is provided at no cost all the necessary protective clothing, equipment, and uniforms.  In order to accomplish the above requirements, Probationary Training is held every Monday night beginning at 18:00 and lasting two to three hours.  The training consists of classroom instruction, practical training, testing, and field evolutions.  In addition to the above, Regular Membership training is offered on Wednesday night at 18:00.  Probationary Members are more than welcome to attend; however, remember that this training is geared towards personnel who are knowledgeable in our Departments procedures.

     Beside the above requirements, each and every member is required to serve a minimum of 24 hours per month of in-station stand-by duty.  Members are more than welcome to serve more than the minimum 24 hours.  Other duty options will be explained once accepted for membership.

  Once again, thank you for interest in our Department.  Should you have any questions not covered during your initial visit, the Department Training Officer is available Monday through Friday, 0800-1700 at (321) 783-4424.