What is a Paid Call Firefighter?

Central Fire Protection District is a combination department in that it uses both career and paid-call firefighters in reaching our mission.  We refer to the volunteers as Paid Call Firefighters (also called PCFs) because they are paid for each call to which they respond.  Paid Call Firefighters provide fire protection, emergency medical service, hazardous materials responses and other services to the communities in which they live and/or work: Capitola, Live Oak and Soquel. 

Why Join?

Paid Call Firefighters join the fire department for chances to contribute to the community and learn new skills, for the opportunity to save lives, and camaraderie.  Many are future career firefighters honing their skills while waiting for a full time position. Others are electricians, carpenters, cabinetmakers, fathers and mothers and even the cable guy. They are united in wanting to help out. They are a cost efficient method used to increase staffing and provide elevated levels of service. Central Fire District augments its full time career line staff of 46 personnel with 28 Paid Call Firefighters. They are responsible for staffing the reserve fire engines at each of our four fire stations. 

Who may apply?

Central Fire District recruits members of the community to apply for membership in this group of special people. Candidates applying for positions must meet certain minimum requirements, including:

• Residency
• Possession of a clean DMV driver's record
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-1), although not currently required, is a very desirable certification. 
• Passing a written examination
• Passing physical agility tests
• Passing an oral interview.

Once selected, all candidates complete an 8-week training academy followed by another round of rigorous testing leading to graduation.

To maintain active Paid Call Firefighter status, each member participates in regular weekly and monthly training sessions which include First Aid, Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter 1, Hazardous Material First Responders, Driver / Operator courses and Fire Command 1A. Good training is what ensures response readiness. Our Paid Call are ready and able.