Our department has been 100% volunteer since 1917, greatly depending on the residents of Nichols and the other surrounding towns for membership. Here is a breakdown of the different memberships that we currently have recognized. The first step for anyone applying for membership is to complete the application process which is comprised of a background check, a physical exam and an interview with the commissioners and the Chief of the Department. All applicants must over 16 years of age. You will then be introduced to the department at a monthly meeting as a junior, senior or associate member. Junior memberships is anyone under the age of 18 and are considered probationary until they are 18, senior membership is for anyone over the age of 18, and an associate membership is a specialized affiliation that does not include active firefighting. Everyone starts as a probationary member until they successfully complete the in-house probationary training and the State of Connecticut’s FF1 class. After that point the member will shed their probationary status and be considered a senior firefighter. This process usually takes anywhere from 6 months to a year depending on when the FF1 class is scheduled and when they join the department. After a member is sworn in and completes the 5 week probationary class they will be allowed to ride and respond to calls with the department. But no probationary member is allowed to participate in interior structural firefighting at any time during their probationary period. Probies are allowed to help in an exterior support capacity only. Being a volunteer firefighter takes dedication and a great deal of time, but it is fun and rewarding. We do a lot for our members here including extensive training and weekly drills. If you have interest in becoming a member feel free to stop by Station 1 on Thursday evenings at 1900 to observe our weekly drills or our monthly meeting on the 1st Tuesday of every month. You can download our application, fill it out and drop it off at either of these events, just ask to speak to an officer of the department when you arrive.

Download Nichols Fire Department Membership Application Cover Page
Download Application for Junior Or Senior probationary membership
Download Nichols Fire Department New Member Status Tracking Sheet
Download Nichols Fire Department Application Process Outline