The CHFD is an all-volunteer agency that provides Fire and EMS coverage to the village of Cayuga Heights and part of the Town of Ithaca. As needed, CHFD accepts a group of new members whom collectively make up a "Recruit Class." Each member of the recruit class enters the department on a "probationary" status, which lasts for no fewer than 60 days. During this period, probationary members attend numerous classroom and hands-on trainings with their recruit class that introduce department policies and procedures

• You don't need any experience to join the CHFD. In-house trainings and state classes are abundantly available. CHFD will provide the necessary equipment.

• After attending the required "in-house" classes and completing the Probationary Firefighter Skills Proficiency Checklist, probationary members may submit a letter to the fire council requesting promotion to "Exterior Firefighter" status.

• Exterior firefighters may then begin working toward "Interior" status by attending state classes, in house trainings, and completing the "Interior Firefighter Skills Proficiency Checklist."

• Exterior firefighters may optionally complete the Rescue Squad checklist if they are interested in EMS.

• There are no set shift requirements. Members respond when available. Members are encouraged to spend time at the station and respond to calls from there. There is an annual call attendance expectation equal to 15% of all calls.

• The CHFD holds a weekly fire training. Members must attend 25% of annual trainings.

• Within 30 days of acceptance, you must obtain a physical provided by the department.

The Cayuga Heights Fire Company is the social division of the Fire Department. The Company holds one meeting a month and occasionally holds other events. There are many opportunities to get involved with the company in non-firefighting and non-EMS roles, often as a Support Staff member.