Become a Volunteer

Our Agency would not be able to fulfill its mission without the hard work and dedicated service of volunteers.  Our unpaid professionals contribute countless hours in order to serve their fellow citizens, and make Will County a safer place to live.  We are always interested in speaking to local citizens who share our dedication to community service. 

Requirements For Being a Volunteer
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be a minimum of 18 years of age,
• Reside within 45 minutes of downtown Joliet area,
• Be available to respond to emergency calls, and
• Donate between 16 and 20 hours per month to the department for training, work activities, and emergency response activities.

Additionally, applicants must understand that as a member, they may be frequently placed in situations that require extended periods of heavy physical activity under a variety of environmental conditions.

By simply contacting us and inquiring, you will have completed the first step.  Once we have received your inquiry you will receive an inquiry letter and a form to complete.  Complete the form and return it in the self-addressed self-stamped envelope.

We invite you to attend our Open House which gives you a great overview of who we are.  You will be able to meet the various Division Chiefs and complete a membership application.  We ask that you also bring copies of any certifications or licenses you may have (i.e. Emergency Medical Technician, Hazardous Materials Operations Certification, Amateur Radio License, etc.).  These items are not needed to be a member, but those skills can become of use in your area of interest.

After the Open House the agency will conduct an Application Review, upon successful review of your application an Induction Ceremony is held along with Agency Orientation (2 hr. training session).

Other training included in the New Member Basic Training includes:

• Blood Borne Pathogens/PPE
• Community CPR
• Emergency Vehicle Operations I – Classroom
• Emergency Vehicle Operations II – Driving
• Hazardous Materials Awareness
• Passport/Accountability
• Radio Communications
• Standard First Aid

What Can I Do While I Am Waiting To Attend The Open House?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers a wide variety of Independent Study Courses that can be taken online.  As part of the New Member Basic Training there are three classes we want you to take:

• Emergency Preparedness (FEMA IS-2) or Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness (FEMA IS-22)
• Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA IS-100)
• National Incident Management System, an Overview (FEMA IS-700)

There is no cost to attend these training sessions.  Once you have completed the course you will need to take an open book test, you will receive your results via an email from the Emergency Management Institute (EMI).  You can forward this via email to our office at: ema@willcountyillinois.com. Once you receive your certificate we will need a copy for your file.

If you feel that your time and skills might be useful to our Agency, and would like to explore the volunteer opportunities available with our Agency, you may register to become a Volunteer by calling the Administrative / Office number at (815) 740-8351.  Or, you may fill out the Volunteer Registration form below.

Volunteer Registration Form