The West Valley Fire Department provides all of the services above with an average of 50 firefighters. The fire department is part of the El Paso County Emergency Services District #2 and is funded largely by tax dollars. The West Valley Fire Department and the other five departments within the ESD #2 are all Volunteer.

The following will outline;
"A", the application process; "B", requirements to successfully completing probationary membership; and "C", requirements to maintain your membership:

(A)...Application process
(1) Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years of age (19 before coming off probation).
(2) Read, speak and understand English fluently.
(3) Possess a valid U.S. drivers license.
(4) Submit to a current drivers background check from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
(5) Submit to a criminal history check.
(6) Be physically able to perform the duties of a firefighter as a member of the West Valley Fire Dept. (some duties within the fire dept. are non-physical and are not subject to the physical performance requirements)
(7) Click on the Employment Application link under DOCUMENTS on this page. The application is in PDF format and can downloaded and printed.
(8) Fill out the application fully--do not leave any blank spaces. Print legibly in dark ink, fax to (915)886-2313 or bring the application with you to the Vinton Fire Station, 510 East Vinton Rd., Vinton, Texas on any Thursday at 7:00 PM.
(9) Applications are accepted on the last Thursday of every month. At the conclusion of the regular business meeting, you will interview with the Board of Officers. Please dress appropriately. After the Oral Board you will be notified as to your acceptance or denial for probation.
(10) Normal length of probation is 6 months. Up to 3 months of that time may be waived, depending on qualifications and experience.
(11) You will be graded on your performance by your officers during your probationary period. You must meet certain goals during this time.
(12) Once your probation is complete, you will attend a second Oral Board in which the Officers discuss your performance. After this meeting you will be notified as to your acceptance or denial of Membership.

(B)...Probationary Member Duties
During the probationary period, the Candidate is given several assignments that will help him or her make the transition to becoming a full member. Most of the requirements are listed below, others are detailed in the welcome letter issued to new candidates.

(1) Conduct yourself as a professional at all times.
(2) Complete the Probationary Firefighters Workbook. Part one is a series of questions based on our Rules and Regulations. Part two is consists of eight skill sheets. These skills must be mastered and demonstrated to a certified firefighter prior to your release.
(3) Computer Based Training. You will successfully complete 35 individual modules covering various firefighting functions and tasks. Each module will take approximately one hour to complete.
(4) Incident Command System Training. You will complete four internet-based training modules on the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Each module will take approximately three hours.
(5) CPR Card. You must be in possession of a valid CPR card prior to your release. Classes are offered bi-monthly.
(6) Learn the layout of the apparatus, what the tools are used for, and how we operate.

The successful Candidate will be able to function as a member of a firefighting crew upon release from probation.

(C)...Membership Maintenance
(1) Conduct yourself as a professional at all times.
(2) Respond to 10% of the call load each month, currently the monthly call load is around 100.
(3) Attend a minimum of 50% of the training. Currently 4 to 5 times a month.
(4) Attend your assigned shifts each month. The West Valley Fire Department currently has 2 Firefighters on shift at the Vinton Station each night from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am. Your shift schedule will be worked around your availability.