Volunteer Firefighter Program

Marinwood Community Services District

Volunteer Firefighter Program

About the Program

The Marinwood Volunteer Firefighter program supports the community with well trained, first-responders able to assist the full-time, paid firefighter staff with emergency calls and public events. Volunteer firefighters are carefully selected after an interview process. Once chosen, the volunteers attend weekly 3-hour trainings on Wednesday evenings. After passing several tests, the volunteers are cleared to ride along with the paid staff. Each month, they are required to ride along for 48 hours total.

After 6 months, the volunteers must pass a written test, at a minimum score of 90% or better, and after 12 months, a hands-on test, of 90% or better as well. After completing these, they must earn their Firefighter 1 Certificate (if not already done) and they gain the title of “Responder.” Earning the title is a milestone because it means that the volunteer is cleared to respond to any type of call with the paid staff. Throughout the journey, our volunteers are encouraged to gain their paramedic license as well.

At the Marinwood Fire Department, we take pride in the training and testing process we have developed for our volunteers. It gives them a hands-on, full training process that enables them to become excellent firefighters. Many Marinwood Volunteer Firefighter alums have been hired as paid, full-time staff for departments though out the state.

The Marinwood Volunteer Firefighter program is a great way to gain experience and become a well-rounded first-responder and firefighter. It is a fulfilling program that allows participants to serve their community while gaining valuable training and education. We are thankful for these dedicated men and women and their contribution to public safety and the Marinwood community. Apply Today!

Events and Programs

Volunteers also coordinate 2 public events: Santa Sleigh Rounds and the 4th of July Pancake Breakfast. For each event, our volunteers take the lead. They are in charge of the coordinating, marketing, setting up, cutting-up fruit, and the most important part, grilling the pancakes!

Santa Sleigh Rounds

Santa Sleigh Rounds is a 65+ year tradition in Marinwood. Our volunteers have the honor of transporting Santa through each neighborhood in Marinwood and Lucas Valley (keeping him very safe). Children, neighbors, and the community come out and have the chance to meet Santa and tell what they want for Christmas.

4th of July Pancake Breakfast

Our pancake breakfast is a tradition that brings together community and raises money for a series of wonderful causes. 

 

About the Chief!

Volunteer Battalion Chief Greg Stilson

Chief Stilson oversees the Volunteer Firefighter program at Marinwood. He began his volunteer career with Marinwood in 1997. Since that time, he has served as a Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, and Battalion Chief. He earned his California State Fire Marshall Fire Officer designation and is a Paramedic in the state of California.  

In addition to serving the Marinwood Community, for the last 30 years he has worked in the Financial Services Industry trading bonds for investment banks, brokerage firms and hedge funds. Chief Stilson grew up in Lucas Valley, attended Terra Linda High School and earned a bachelor’s from UC Berkeley. He moved back to Lucas Valley in 1996. His wife and 3 kids (Girl at UC Berkeley, both boys at Terra Linda HS), have all been very supportive of his volunteer and business career.

Volunteers who have gained the status of “Responder” 

Chief Greg Stilson 

John Seratt 

Lindsey Williamson

 

In the News!

1/24/2020    New Marinwood Volunteers Visit San Rafael Station 57 -- READ