East Great Plain
Volunteer Fire Company Inc.
EAST GREAT PLAIN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY INC.
Volunteer Fire Company · Norwich, CT
Questions? (860) 886-0392
NOW ACCEPTING MEMBERS · SOUTHWEST SIDE OF NORWICH
Become a Volunteer Firefighter.
No Experience Required.
East Great Plain trains you, equips you, and puts you on a crew with your own neighbors. Firefighter, emergency medical, and fire police positions are open now to adults who live in or next to our district.
We provide all training and gear at no cost to you.
1,066
Emergency calls answered in 2025
1943
serving Norwich Since
8
Pieces of apparatus, including heavy rescue
24/7
coverage, every day of the year
THREE WAYS TO SERVE
PICK THE ROLE THAT FITS YOUR LIFE
You do not have to run into a burning building to be useful here. Every role is trained, and every role matters on scene.
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
FIREFIGHTER
Work as part of a crew under your officer at emergency scenes. You will train on hose lines, ladders, breathing apparatus, hydraulic rescue tools, and power and hand tools, then keep those skills sharp through monthly in-house training and state classes.
MEDICAL
EMERGENCY MEDICAL MEMBER
Respond to medical calls as an Emergency Medical Responder or EMT. EMS members also work the exterior of the fire ground. If you already hold a certification, bring it.
SUPPORT
FIRE POLICE OFFICER
Secure the scene so the crews can work. Traffic control, crowd control, and scene safety. This is the role for people who want to help without an interior firefighting assignment.
Not sure which one? Choose "Not sure yet" on the form and we will walk you through it.
WHAT YOU GET
REAL BENEFITS, NOT JUST A THANK YOU
A PROPERTY TAX BREAK
Norwich abates property taxes for qualified volunteer firefighters and fire police who meet the city's call response and training requirements.
TRAINING AND GEAR AT NO COST
Entry level and ongoing training, plus all personal protective equipment, are provided by the department. You do not buy your own gear.
ELIGIBILITY FOR THE RELIEF FUND
After you complete training you become eligible to join the City of Norwich Volunteer Firefighters Relief Fund.
SKILLS YOU KEEP FOR LIFE
Fire behavior, rescue, emergency medicine, radio discipline, and how to stay calm and useful when something goes wrong at 2 a.m.
A HEAD START ON A PAID CAREER
The certifications and experience you earn here are the same ones career fire and EMS departments hire on. Several members have used them to do exactly that.
A CREW THAT SHOWS UP FOR YOU
Eighty-plus years of the same habit in this neighborhood: neighbors covering for neighbors. That does not stop at the station door.
REQUIREMENTS
WHO CAN JOIN
18 years or older
Live in or next to the East Great Plain response district
We cover the west side and greater East Great Plain section of Norwich. Not sure if that includes your street? Ask us on the form.
Physically able to work in a hazardous environment
The department pays for and provides the OSHA medical exam.
Able to attend entry level and ongoing training
Willing to pass a department interview and background process
Available to respond to calls, and able to work on a team
Not 18 yet? Join our Cadet Program
Our Cadet Firefighter path is available for applicants ages 15 - 17
No prior fire or EMS experience is needed.
SEE IT FOR YOURSELF
WHAT VOLUNTEERING HERE LOOKS LIKE
News 8 covered our recruitment during National Volunteer Week, and this state campaign video shows the range of what volunteers actually do.
PROTECT YOUR NEIGHBORS
APPLY TO VOLUNTEER
The East Great Plain Volunteer Fire Department is seeking dedicated individuals to join our ranks and continue a proud legacy of serving Norwich since 1943.
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You don’t need prior experience, you just need the drive to help others. Whether you are interested in interior firefighting, emergency medical response, fire police, or auxiliary support, there is a place for you in our firehouse family. We provide 100% of the training, gear, and support you need to succeed. Step up, learn life-saving skills, and forge lifelong friendships.
You can submit your application in person at:
488 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360
