Our department meets on every Monday of each month from 7:00 pm to 10:00pm. Our meetings are for either training or business.  All training occurs either at the station or elsewhere in the district. All department hosted or approved training credits toward the minimum 36 training hours annually required by our department and by the NC State Firefighters Association.  Training is also allowed on individual time outside of formal meeting nights including approved web-based training and training at other fire departments that you may attend.  We also pay for members (as fundable) to travel to training classes at schools and seminars across the state.  We cover the cost of hotel stays and associated class and seminar fees along with department transportation.  Most of the training we offer in house is non-certification training but is still designed to enhance your skills as a firefighter.  With that said, we do encourage and assist our members who are interested in becoming certified as a firefighter, driver or EMT.  Forsyth Technical Community college is the local delivery agency for certification training in our area and offers NCOSFM and NCOEMS compliant certification training classes including for NC Firefighter, NC EMT, NC Technical Rescuer, and other fire department related certifications. Members who receive certifications are often eligible for paid positions with fire departments whether a small one like ours or a larger city department.  In fact, some of our members are paid career firefighters or EMT/Paramedics who started out as a volunteer but then made it their career. Our department makes it very easy to obtain the regular 36 hours of training required locally and in house.  Many new or prospective applicants worry about the training aspect of being in a volunteer fire department however, it is way easier than you think. One of the biggest questions from prospective members is “What are the requirements to be a volunteer?”  The great news is that there are very few other than this minimum requirement to annually complete at least 36 training hours.  So, if you are thinking about it or on the fence about joining, wait no more and join now! Volunteer Applicants The Northeast Stokes Fire & Rescue accepts applications year-round for volunteers. No previous experience or certifications are required! Many people ask what is required and how much time does it take to be a volunteer firefighter.  The great news is the requirements to join are minimal. Age 18 US citizen or legal immigrant Clean Driving and Criminal Record (both subject to records check) Comprehensive Drug Test High School Diploma, GED or equivalent Live within 5 miles of the fire district