FAQ - Fire Department
Fire Department Web Site
Does Troy really have an "all volunteer" fire department?
- All of the firefighters in Troy are volunteers with the exception of the 10 career staff members who also respond to emergencies in addition to their administrative duties. Some of the career members are also volunteers after hours.
- There are several variations of "volunteer" fire departments throughout the United States. Some departments are "paid-on-call" and their members are compensated on a per call basis. Some departments are "volunteer" and receive no compensation. Some departments are a "combination" of volunteer and career firefighters working together.
- Statistics reveal that over 70% of our nation's fire departments are some form of volunteer while less than 30% are career.
How does Troy protect a city this size with a "volunteer" fire department?
- A high level of commitment and support from the community, elected officials, city administrators, and fellow fire department members.
- Emphasis on preventing fires through education and code enforcement.
- Monitoring activity level to prevent over-utilization of volunteers.
- Participative management that includes volunteer and career personnel involvement.
- A strong sense of tradition within the community.
What motivates citizens to volunteer?
- Desire to contribute to the community.
- Interest in firefighting
- Desire to associate with people that share the same interest.
- Satisfaction of belonging to a well respected organization.
Do firefighters receive any compensation?
- Volunteer firefighters receive no individual compensation while serving with the department.
- Each of the six fire stations receives an annual stipend to fund station operations and activities.
- Firefighters are eligible for an "incentive plan" when they complete specified years of service.
- 10 years of service and age 55
- 25 years of service and age 50
- 30 years of service at any age
- Attend a minimum of 15 hours of training per calendar quarter for a total of 60 hours per calendar year
- Attend a minimum of 50% of incident responses for which they are available.
How does the department recruit volunteers?
The department actively recruits volunteers several ways:
At the annual fire open house event held at each of the fire stations during Fire Prevention Week in October
Through the Explorer program the department sponsors for young adults interested in the fire service.
By encouraging City employees to volunteer if their job responsibilities permit.
Word of mouth from existing members to neighbors and co-workers.
Why doesn't the Fire Department provide EMS?
The City of Troy experiences approximately 6,000 requests for EMS annually and approximately 1,000 requests for fire service. It would be difficult to retain volunteers with this additional EMS workload. The fire department does, however, assist EMS with extrication and technical rescue functions when necessary.
The City of Troy chooses a proven alternative method of providing EMS. A private provider is contracted to provide paramedic first responder and advance life support ambulance service. The PFR units are dedicated to Troy and respond in conjunction with ALS ambulances as part of a performance-driven contract that requires either an ambulance or a first responder to be on scene of medical emergencies in 5 minutes or less for 90% of all such incidents.
The annual cost for private provider EMS in Troy is approximately $500,000.00. PFR units and ALS ambulances work closely with the fire and police departments as a "third" emergency service.
What is the total cost of Fire and EMS service in Troy vs. comparable cities?
The total annual cost for providing both fire protection and emergency medical service in Troy is approximately $5 million with $4.5 million for Fire and $500,000.00 for EMS.
Fire protection and EMS in comparable cities with career firefighters and paramedics is approximately $15 million.
Is the fire department effective and does it meet the expectations of the community?
Yes. Here are some statistics to support it:
The average annual estimated fire loss in Troy is approximately 5% of property involved.
The City has an Insurance Services Office public protection grade of Class 3, which places it in the top 3.4% of all fire departments in the United States.
A market research study completed in 2000 revealed 100% of residents and 95% of businesses surveyed were either “very or somewhat satisfied with service” provided by the fire department. 83% of residents and 81% of businesses surveyed were “very satisfied with service” provided by the fire department.
What are the Requirements to be a Troy Volunteer Firefighter?
Live or work in the City of Troy
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
Possess a valid Michigan driver's license
Possess a clear criminal history record
Complete an application for employment
Submit to a criminal history and driving background check
Complete the Firefighter I & II training academy within the probationary period
Attend a minimum of 60 hours of station training per year (typically one 3-hour session per week)
Respond to a minimum of 50% of emergencies during predetermined hours of availability from either home or work
How can I get more Information about the Troy Fire Department?
Contact the Administrative Offices at:
Troy Fire Department
500 West Big Beaver
Troy, MI 48084
Phone: 248.524.3419
E-mail the secretary at: smithsj@troymi.gov and enter Information Request in the subject line
Please include a brief description of the information being requested along with your name, address, phone number and e-mail.
