Being a member of the Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department means being part of a team that shows up when it matters most. It’s difficult to capture every facet of membership, but at its core, it’s a commitment to serve your neighbors—balanced with the life you already enjoy.

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Members are asked to be ready to respond when they are not engaged in personal priorities such as family, faith, travel, or hobbies. Service fits around life—it does not replace it.

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Most members participate in both medical and fire response. You do not have to be a firefighter, but all members are expected to respond to fire calls in a meaningful way. This may include patient care, supporting fellow responders, operating equipment, or stepping into roles that allow others to engage directly in fire suppression. Career firefighters may also serve in a fire-only capacity.

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The work can be physically demanding. Members must be reasonably fit and capable of bending, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds. A physical exam is required, along with training in medical response, fire operations, and emergency vehicle driving. Most training is conducted in-house, with additional certifications taught by State-certified instructors as needed.

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The Department provides everything you need—uniforms, training, and all personal protective equipment. Your investment is time: to attend, learn, and respond.

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Measures of Performance

To maintain readiness and share the workload fairly, members are expected to:

• Attend Department meetings twice a month (Tuesday evenings)

• Be responsible for a Medical Response Vehicle for two 24-hour periods per month

• Respond to approximately 5% of total calls (about 10 per month—the Department receives over 4 per day)

• Complete at least 30 hours of training annually, outside of regular meetings

 

These measures are guidelines designed to encourage consistent engagement. As call volume continues to increase, the principle of many hands make light work has never been more important.

 

Membership does not mean giving up your lifestyle. You can still travel, host guests, golf, play pickleball, and enjoy life. When you’re not doing those things, we simply ask that you have your radio on and be ready to respond.

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Few experiences are as meaningful as helping someone on what may be the worst day of their life—and knowing you made a difference. If this sounds like something you’d like to explore, we invite you to complete the Interest Form. We’ll take it from there.