Group of five rescue workers standing on snow-covered ground, wearing red and yellow cold water rescue suits and helmets, with a lake, trees, and blue sky in the background.

● Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department

Fire & Rescue Volunteer Opportunities

The Fire Department is comprised of volunteers participating as first responders, auxiliary fire and rescue support, and administrative support (Board of Directors, Strategic Planning Committee and other standing committees). Participation is open to all residents that wish to become members.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Fire Department or have questions, please phone, email, or fill out the volunteering form below.

Volunteer Opportunities

Are you interested in helping your neighbors by joining one of the local life-saving fire and rescue services but worry you don’t have the time, skills or ability to volunteer? Well, we have roles for everyone! There are many volunteer positions that allow individuals to serve their community regardless of time commitment, level of training or physical ability. We provide free training for responder volunteer positions. 

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  • Ambulance Drivers are trained to drive the ambulance, preform CPR, assist with patient movement, and transport patient treatment equipment. Ambulance drivers start out driving the paramedic response vehicle. Requirements include: 30 – 60 approximate training hours depending on previous experience, including Bureau of Labor training and two-day Emergency Vehicle Operator Course. The Ambulance Driver should be in reasonable health and be able to lift 40 pounds from their waist to their shoulder.

  • Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are trained to treat and transport patients to the Basic Life Support Level, often under the direct supervision of a Paramedic. EMTs must be licensed to operate in Maine. Most EMTs are also trained to drive the ambulance. EMTs should be in reasonable health and be able to lift at least 40 pounds from their waist to their shoulder. In addition to Bureau of Labor Training, EMTs shall complete a qualified course of study typically the equivalent of one collage semester, and complete required testing for NREMT certification and Maine State Licensing, or have already done so.

  • Fire Truck Operators are trained to drive and operate the fire trucks. A class C driver license and Emergency Vehicle Operator Course, or a CDL is required to operate a fire truck without a pump. A mechanical aptitude and Basic Pump Operator Course are also required to operate a fire truck with a pump. Fire truck operators start driving the squad pickup truck. 46 – 76 training hours are required to operate a fire truck depending on previous experience, including Bureau of Labor training, two-day Emergency Vehicle Operator Course and two-day Basic Pump Course. The Fire Truck Operator should be in reasonable health and be able to lift at least 40 pounds from their waist to their shoulder.

  • Firefighters are trained to fight fires requiring Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), including building and vehicle fires. In addition to Bureau of Labor Training, the Firefighter I & II will complete a six-month fire academy two nights each week and 10 Saturdays, and complete the written and practical end tests, or have already done so. The Firefighter I & II should be in good health, able to crawl and walk with 70 pounds of equipment, and drag a victim while in full personal protective equipment.

  • FRAP (First Responder Accession Program) was developed to generate interest among Harpswell’s younger residents (18 – 30 years old) to consider becoming first responders by exploring introductory weekly trainings and support activities in Fire and EMS. The goal is to inspire the next generation to take courses resulting in becoming Nationally Certified for Firefighter I & II and/or Emergency Medical Technician.

  • Public Safety Flaggers are trained to direct traffic in the public right-of-way. 10 – 15 training hours are required including Minimum Bureau of Labor Training.

  • Water Rescue & Ice Rescue Technicians are trained to enter the water to remove victims. The Water Rescue & Ice Rescue Technician should be in reasonable health and be able to swim. In addition to Bureau of Labor Training, the Water Rescue & Ice Rescue Technician shall be trained in their area of expertise.

  • Wilderness Rescue Technicians are trained to find and remove lost and injured people from wooded and trail areas. The Wilderness Rescue Technician should be in reasonable health and be able to lift at least 40 pounds from their waist to their shoulder. In addition to Bureau of Labor Training, the Wilderness Rescue Technician will receive training in low-angle rope rescues and first aid.

  • Wildland Firefighters are trained to fight fires in wooded and field areas. The Wildland Firefighter should be in reasonable health and be able to pass the NWCG Pack Test for certification to deploy to major events. Requirements include 30 – 40 hours approximate training hours including Bureau of Labor and National Wildfire Coordinating Group Training. Wildland Firefighters may complete the Wildland Field Exercise to earn their red card and be eligible for deployment to regional fires.

  • ​Cross Trained responders are trained and qualified to multiple roles.

Two people in yellow winter clothing and helmets standing on a snowy landscape, with a forest in the background and clear blue sky.

Orr’s and bailey islands Volunteer Fire Department Application:

A solid light blue shape with a unique wavy, rounded edge design.