What is a Support Member?
Support members are an important part of our teams. They don’t go into burning buildings or enter into dangerous environments but they are on the emergency scene. Support members play an active and diverse role on the emergency scene. These men and women support the incident commander by managing accountability, keeping track of time and resources, and assisting with communication. They assist in other activities as well on the emergency scene such grabbing equipment off of the trucks, checking gear before a firefighter makes entry into the house, helps break down gear, and keep everyone hydrated.
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Almost anyone can choose to be a support member. Here are a few requirements:
-Minimum age of 16 years old
-Valid driver's license
-Pass a background check
-Have a desire to learn and better yourself
-Be a team player
-Be able to work well under pressure or have a desire to be able to do so.
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Support members at Claylick Fire Department respond to emergencies from wherever they are when an emergency occurs. Most of our support members do not pull shifts at the fire station. Most go about their day with a radio or cell phone in earshot ready to respond to an emergency. Our support members respond quickly and safely in an emergency alongside our firefighters and emergency medical responders. We train often, work continuously to improve our skillset, and look for ways to improve the safety of our community.
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Free Training
We provide our members with state and federal training. We provide Emergency Medical Responder, Basic HAZMAT, Extrication, and driver training to our members. You put in the time, we put in the dime. We want our support members to be skilled so that they have more opportunities in the future.
Worker's Compensation
We have workers compensation so that if you were to be injured in the line of duty you will be taken care of. Our board of directors prioritizes members' safety.
Phone Service Discount
We have a phone plan at our department that allows our members to receive a discount and also allows us to have the option of priority calling in times of large scale disasters.
Family Atmosphere
Be a part of a family. Our department has family values built-in to the core of who we are as a department and we treat each other like family.
Reduced Vehicle Tag Cost
The State of Tennessee gives volunteer fire department members a discount on vehicle tags.
Opportunities
You will have the opportunity to learn how to save lives and then you will be on the front lines for 911 emergencies assisting other responders and being an important part of the team. The experience gained here has led many to become Career Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, and even Nurses.