The Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for new members. Stop by any Monday Night at 7:30 P.M. and speak with an officer at your local firehouse. Protection Fire Company #1 located behind Town Hall, Community Engine Company #2 located on Wyckoff Avenue near Grandview Avenue and Sicomac Community Engine Company #3 located on Sicomac Avenue.

Membership in the Wyckoff Fire Department is open to all men and women who are 18-years of age or older and have graduated high school. Members not wishing to become active firefighters are greatly needed. There are several areas within the department that do not involve actual fire fighting.  These areas are the Fire Police, Fire Desk and associate members. Those who choose to join are asked to help in the fundraising activities of the organization, maintain the company property, and help with behind the scenes work involved with running the department. In general, these members do not take an active role in the department's emergency service activities or operation of fire department emergency equipment but, they are allowed to attend regular monthly meetings.

Active Firefighters & Fire Police are those members who have passed a program of basic training approved by the fire officers, and have been active in departmental operation and training programs.  They will also qualify to operate fire apparatus, and function in other specialized roles after meeting additional training requirements. As part of the initial training to become a firefighter, all members will attend a training course at the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute in Mahwah which will provide them all of the basic tools needed to be a firefighter. Once completed, members will then attend weekly drills with their local fire company to advance and refresh all of the skills taught by the fire academy. In addition, the academy offers a variety of specialized and advanced in service training to all firefighters free of charge.

In addition to responding to over 500 emergency calls this past year, the Wyckoff Fire Department always strives to reach out to the community and become involved in local events to assist the residents of the Township of Wyckoff.  During 2007 Wyckoff Firefighters have attended numerous fire prevention talks at local schools, daycare centers, churches and for local civic groups as requested. They also participate in the Board of Education’s Safety Town which is attended by incoming kindergartners. They have also attended other events such as the YMCA Health Fair, The Buddy Walk for Downs Syndrome and delivering Santa around town every December on the fire trucks. This is always the kid’s favorite. In the past, they have also participated in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort organized by a local resident as well as various September 11th assistance programs.

Be part of one of the most progressive volunteer emergency response organizations in the nation.

For over a Hundred Years

Training is provided free!

Making the commitment to serve your community, as a Volunteer Firefighter or Fire Police is one of the most dedicated and selfless choices that you can make in your life. You will gain even greater satisfaction from being a well-trained and knowledgeable firefighter/Fire Police. As a member of the Wyckoff Fire Department you will have the gratification of being an unpaid professional, shouldering the moral responsibility of doing your job efficiently.

Adobe PDF Applications (please print out and return):

Click here for your application

Application Process:

• Stop by your local firehouse any Monday Evening @ 7:30pm to speak with an officer.   The officer will explain this process to you and provide you with an application packet.
• The first part of the process is completing the Wyckoff Police Department Application and make an appointment with the Police Department for fingerprinting. 
• Once this is complete, you will receive a phone call asking you to complete the “Medical Health Questionnaire” for Valley Health Net. 
•  You will then call Valley Health net to arrange for a physical.  This will be a full medical evaluation as per state and federal standards to determine your eligibility to perform fire fighting activities.
• Once your physical is complete the fire department will await your medical checks to come back.  This process could take up to 6 weeks.
• Upon the successful completion of medical and criminal background checks a fire officer will contact you and inform you of your swearing in date.  After the swearing in, you will officially be a probationary fire department member and be able respond to fire calls after some initial training.
• Shortly after joining the ranks you will be scheduled for basic fire fighter classes or Fire #1 at the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute in Mahwah.  These classes are offered several times per year and offered in a variety of daytime and nighttime programs.

Frequently Asked Questions. . .

1) Is the Wyckoff Fire Department paid?
NO. Our organization is made up of all volunteers with varying
occupations. This means that members of the department do not
receive any money for their work. The trucks, buildings, heat,
lights, and other apparatus are provided by district taxes.

2) How many members make up the department and
where do they come from?
There are 101 active members, with an additional 61 associate
members (former and/or social members) in the department,
formed into three companies. All active members are residents of,
or work around the community. Various occupations include
carpenters, attorneys, laborers, accountants, writers, teachers,
etc. Many start with no firefighting experience-- just a desire to
help provide a valuable community service.

3) With so many active members, why do you need me?
There are times when members are not in town or nearby,
making response difficult. For us, there is strength in numbers, so
our need for new members is not only desirable, it is necessary.

4) Do you have women firefighters? Each of the fire companies has had at least one woman member and there is a total of 1 woman in the Department. They are not a "Ladies Auxiliary," but active responding fire fighters and officers. There are times when our women fire fighters form the backbone of our daytime response.

5) What is the Apprentice Program?
The Apprentice Program is a company in the Fire Department whose members are between 16 and 18 years. Members are required to respond to alarms, providing a school day was completed, and at the scene of a fire are under the control of the Chief. Subject to certain limitations, such as not entering a building that is the scene of a fire, their duties are consistent with those of an active firefighter. They also participate in training, drills and social activities.

6) Is there a way to learn more about the department to see if I would be interested in joining?
Yes. Every Monday night we meet at our respected fire houses at 7:30pm for drill during which members train in house. Our monthly meeting’s are the second Monday of each month This is an ideal time to come down and meet the current members and get a better idea of the variety of company functions.

7) I like fire engines, but I have no experience.
No problem. If you are willing to learn, we have training that every
new fire fighter completes at the Bergen County Fire Training
Center located in Mahwah. We also conduct on-going drills at the
Fire Training Center and around town. We're looking for
people who are willing to spend a little time making Wyckoff
a safe environment, while enjoying the experience.

8) I'd like to join, but I am busy and not always available.
This is the same situation for every member. That's why you are
important. While we have some minimum requirements, we ask
people to respond when they are available. There is no set
"duty roster" that requires you to be present at certain times

9) Do you have a LOSAP program?
Yes. In 1999, the township voters approved a Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP). Essentially, this is a retirement
program that provides a stipend at age 65, based on active
participation and total years of service. This program also has
some life insurance benefits.

10) What does Ben Franklin have to do with the Wyckoff Fire Department
Nothing. We just thought we'd drop his name. Seriously, he is
credited with organizing the first community-based volunteer fire
department. Two issues were critical in the 1700's and remain so
today: the deadly threat of fire and the cost of providing protection.
Mr. Franklin's solution has minimized both for over 200 years
throughout the United States.

11) Is there someone I can contact if I have more questions?
Please call the Fire House 201-891-1100, or e-mail the Membership Committee at membership@wyckofffire.com . We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Wyckoff Fire Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All Applications are welcome.