NSFD firefighters during a training session
 
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Now Accepting Applications

Join the North Syracuse Fire Department

Our firefighters, EMTs and fire police are your neighbors — people with jobs and families who answer the call for the Village of North Syracuse and parts of Clay and Cicero. No experience needed. We provide the training, the gear and the team.

Apply Now How to Join

Make a Difference

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Fire engines don't put out fires — people do. Defibrillators don't save lives — people do. Since 1913, those people have been volunteers from right here in North Syracuse.

As a member, you'll respond to fires, vehicle crashes and medical emergencies. You'll drive and operate apparatus, climb ladders, work rescue tools and care for people on the worst day of their lives — or support the members who do. It takes real commitment, and it gives back more than you'd expect.

The NSFD 24×7 Pledge

As an organization and as individual members, we pledge to:

  • Do the things we say we will
  • Try our best to do them well
  • Care about the people we serve, their property and each other

24 hours each day — every day.

Firefighter carrying a ladder

Before You Apply

The Prospect's Guide covers more than this page: how we're organized and respond to calls, what we expect of members and how the application process works. Read it online or print a copy to keep

Read the Guide

Find Your Role

More Than One Way to Serve

Not every member runs into burning buildings. Every role below is essential, and we train you for the one that fits your life.

Firefighter

Fire attack, search and rescue, ventilation and vehicle extrication. We'll train you through New York State Firefighter I and II.

EMS

Be the first medical help to arrive. We'll train you as a New York State certified EMT at no cost, and help certified members keep their credentials current.

Fire Police

Control traffic and keep scenes safe at emergencies and community events. A strong fit if the physical demands of interior firefighting aren't for you.

Support Roles

Administration, logistics and community outreach keep the department running between calls.

College Students

Through the Bunk-In Program, students live at the firehouse while earning a degree, in exchange for staffing, training and light maintenance.

Explore the Bunk-In Program

Why Join

What You Get in Return

You give your time. We invest in you — at no cost.

Free Certified Training

Local, county and state courses taught by certified instructors, all paid for. You'll build discipline, teamwork and leadership that carry into the rest of your life.

LOSAP Service Award for Retirement

The Village of North Syracuse and the Towns of Clay and Cicero take part in the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP), which provides members retirement income based on years of service.

Life Insurance

A $10,000 policy at no cost through the North Syracuse Firefighters' Association, covering you on and off the fireground.

NYS Tax Incentives

Active volunteer firefighters in New York State may qualify for a state income tax credit or a local property tax exemption.

Gear & Uniforms

Turnout gear — coat, pants, boots, gloves, hood and helmet — is issued when you're sworn in. Station uniforms follow after a minimum length of service.

Annual Physical

A department-paid medical exam every year you're active, because your health and safety come first.

Fitness Center

Members have access to the firehouse fitness center, from cardio equipment to free weights.

Connections

Members include nurses, mechanics, teachers, electricians, plumbers, scientists, police officers, 911 dispatchers, artists and IT professionals.

Camaraderie

The annual installation dinner each April, parades, the family picnic and the clam bake. Your family gets to know the department too.

Before You Apply

Requirements & Commitment

Membership is a real commitment. Here's what we ask of applicants and new members.

To Apply

  • 18 or older College students should also look at the Bunk-In Program.
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Live or work in the district Reside in, or work full-time (40 hours a week) in, the North Syracuse fire district.
  • Driver's license or state ID Needed to complete your background check.
  • Able to do the job Perform the essential functions of the volunteer position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Department & Village approval Applications are approved by the fire department and the Village Board.

As a Member

  • Respond to 15% of alarms Measured each calendar quarter.
  • Six trainings per quarter Drills are held on Tuesdays.
  • Two monthly meetings per quarter
  • Orientation & physical Complete new-recruit orientation and a department-paid physical before responding to calls.
  • Firefighter I within one year Firefighter members complete the NYS Firefighter I course in their first year, at no cost.
  • One-year probation Your progress is reviewed after your first year of active service.
No experience? No problem. No previous experience or training is required. Bring the commitment, and we'll provide everything else.

How to Join

From Application to Swearing-In

Most applications take four to six weeks from start to finish. Our recruitment officer will keep you updated along the way.

  1. 1

    Apply

    Submit the online application with your license details and three references.

  2. 2

    Screening

    We contact your references and complete a background check.

  3. 3

    Visit Drills

    Join us at Tuesday drills for three weeks to meet members and ask questions.

  4. 4

    Interview & Physical

    Interview with the department, then complete a physical at no cost to you.

  5. 5

    Vote & Swear In

    After the membership vote and Village Board approval, you're sworn in and issued your gear.

Start Your Application Read the Full Guide

Common Questions

Membership FAQ

Do I need firefighting or medical experience?

No. No previous experience or training is required. The department provides all training at no cost, from recruit orientation through state certification.

Do I have to fight fires to be a member?

No. Members also serve in EMS, as fire police, and in support roles such as administration, logistics and community outreach.

How much time does membership take?

Each calendar quarter, members respond to at least 15% of emergency alarms, attend six training sessions and attend two monthly meetings. Drills are held every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 7 to 10 p.m.

Are there scheduled shifts?

No. Volunteers are on call around the clock and respond whenever they're available and in the district. Onondaga County 911 alerts members, who respond to the station to staff the apparatus.

Do I have to live in North Syracuse?

You must live in, or work full-time (40 hours a week) in, the North Syracuse fire district, which covers the Village of North Syracuse and parts of the Towns of Clay and Cicero.

I'm a college student. Can I join?

Yes. Students who meet the membership requirements can apply, and our Bunk-In Program offers free housing at the firehouse in exchange for staffing, training and light maintenance.

Does a criminal record disqualify me?

A conviction does not automatically disqualify you. Each application is reviewed individually under New York Correction Law Article 23-A.

Does it cost anything to join?

No. Training, protective gear and your department physical are all provided at no cost to you.

How long does the application process take?

Typically four to six weeks. Reference responses affect the timing, so let your references know to expect our call.

Ready to Serve

Membership Application

The application is long but straightforward. Gather the items below first and you can finish it in one sitting.

Before You Start

Have this information ready:

  • License or state IDIssuing state and license class
  • ResidencyMonth and year you moved to your current address
  • EmploymentCurrent and most recent employer, with dates
  • EducationSchools attended and any certifications, with expiration dates
  • Prior fire or EMS serviceDepartment, chief or director, and dates (if any)
  • Three referencesNames, addresses, phone numbers and emails
Give your references a heads-up We'll contact each of them, and how quickly they respond affects how fast your application moves.

Membership Application Form

You must be 18 or older to apply. If you are a college student, see if our Bunk-in Program is right for you.

Are you at least 18 years of age? *

Applicant Information

Residency Information

When did you move to your current address?

Do you intend to reside in the Fire District area for the next few years? *

Membership Interest & Availability

Are you able to perform the essential functions of the volunteer position, with or without reasonable accommodation? (The Fire Department reserves the right to determine what is reasonable.) *
Volunteer firefighters may be required to perform physically demanding tasks, including wearing protective equipment, climbing, carrying equipment, working in smoke or other hazardous environments, and responding to emergency incidents.

Availability

Indicate your availability to participate in normally required fire department activities (meetings, drills, and emergency calls). Select all that generally apply.
Days
Evenings
Nights

Driver's License & Transportation

Do you currently hold a valid Driver's License? *
Do you have reliable access to transportation for required Department activities and, when applicable, emergency response? *

Employment & Military Service

Street, City, State, Zip
e.g., March 2021 - Present
Street, City, State, Zip
e.g., March 2021 - Present
Have you served in the United States Armed Forces? *

Education & Certifications

City, State, Zip
City/State

Prior Fire & EMS Experience

Have you previously belonged to another fire department or ambulance service? *

Fire Service Education & Experience

Not required, all training provided
Street, City, State, Zip
Letter of Recommendation
Member in good standing?
e.g. April 2025 - May 2026

EMS Education & Experience

Not required, all training provided
Street, City, State, Zip
Letter of Recommendation
Member in good standing?
e.g. April 2025 - May 2026

References

Please provide three individuals who can speak to your character, reliability, work ethic, and ability to work as part of a team.

Reference 1

Street, City, State, Zip

Reference 2

Street, City, State, Zip

Reference 3

Street, City, State, Zip

Background / Criminal History

A conviction does not automatically disqualify you. Each application is reviewed individually under NY Correction Law Article 23-A.

Have you ever been known by another name? *
(Note: This information is used solely for the purpose of verifying prior employment, education, or conducting background checks.)
Are you legally authorized to volunteer/work in the United States? *
Have you ever been convicted of arson or attempted arson in any degree? *
Have you ever been convicted of an offense requiring registration as a sex offender? *
Have you ever been convicted of a crime (felony or misdemeanor)? *
Note: You are not required to disclose any arrest or criminal accusation that did not result in a conviction, or any conviction that was sealed, expunged, or set aside. You are also not required to disclose any youthful offender adjudications or non-criminal violations/infractions.
Has a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct been obtained? *
Do you currently have any pending criminal arrests or active charges filed against you that have not yet been resolved in court? *
Important: You are not required to disclose any past arrests that were dismissed or resolved in your favor, any youthful offender adjudications, any sealed convictions, or any cases currently placed on an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD).

Background Check Authorization

Background Consent Checkbox *

Certification & Signature

Confirmation Checkbox *

Date Signed:  October 17, 2026

Your information is kept confidential and used only to review your membership application.