What role do volunteer firefighters have within KCFD?

Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in supporting the Kern County Fire Department's mission. Their involvement is primarily focused on assisting with various fire and rescue operations. This can include responding to emergencies, participating in training drills, and helping with community outreach programs. Volunteer firefighters often bring valuable skills and local knowledge that enhance the capabilities of the department, especially in rural areas or during large-scale emergencies when additional personnel are needed.

The option regarding replacement of full-time staff doesn't align with the structure of the KCFD, as volunteer firefighters are meant to complement, not substitute, the full-time workforce. Managing administrative tasks exclusively is typically the responsibility of trained administrative staff, and volunteer firefighters are more active in field operations rather than behind-the-scenes tasks. Additionally, designing firefighting equipment is a specialized role that requires technical expertise and experience, which is generally not part of the duties assigned to volunteer firefighters.