Jackson Firefighters Association

The Jackson Firefighters Association is the volunteer organization supporting the Jackson Fire Department, with members responding to fires, emergencies, environmental incidents, and prevention-and-education programs throughout Teton County. The right fit is community members interested in volunteering, donors and supporters wanting to back fire and emergency-services work, and journalists or community-event organizers needing context on fire-services in Jackson. The wrong fit is travelers calling for emergency response; for that, dial 911 (the Jackson Fire Department dispatches via the standard emergency system).

Inside the operation

A volunteer-staffed organization that supplements and supports the professional Jackson Fire Department. Volunteers respond alongside the department on calls including structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, environmental incidents, and weather-related rescues. Beyond response, the Association runs prevention programming (school visits, fire-safety education), community outreach, and fundraising events that support equipment and training. Meetings run on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, 6:30-9:30 PM, at the Jackson Fire Department.

Why it matters

Three reasons. First, volunteer firefighting in mountain communities is the backbone of emergency response. Wildland fire seasons, complex terrain, and seasonal population swings create demand that paid staff alone cannot handle. Second, the Association funds equipment, training, and programs that the department's budget cannot always cover; community donations have a direct impact. Third, fire prevention education in a region with serious wildfire risk is genuinely consequential; the Association's school visits and community events shift household behavior in ways that prevent fires.

How to engage

For prospective volunteers: a willingness to serve is the main requirement. The Association and Fire Department train new volunteers; prior firefighting experience is not required. The training pipeline runs through the department; visit a meeting on a second or fourth Tuesday for an introduction. For donors and supporters: contributions are accepted via the website, with specific fundraising events tied to specific equipment or program needs. For prevention-education programming, contact the Association to schedule school visits or community talks.

Tradeoffs to know

Two honest tradeoffs. First, volunteer firefighting requires real time commitment; training, drills, and on-call response add up. Second, this is a working emergency-services support organization, not a museum or visitor attraction; engagement is best framed as community participation rather than tourism.

Before you go

For new arrivals to the valley wanting to plug into the community, volunteering with the Jackson Firefighters Association is one of the most direct ways. The training pipeline builds real skills, the connections become part of your local network, and the work matters in ways most volunteer roles do not match. For donors who want to give locally, the Association's annual events tie donations to specific equipment or training needs you can see funded.

The bottom line

For the volunteer side of Jackson fire and emergency services, the Jackson Firefighters Association is the organization to engage with. Volunteer, donate, or attend a community event; for emergencies, dial 911.

FAQ

Are these volunteer firefighters?

Yes, supporting the professional Jackson Fire Department.

How do I volunteer?

Visit a meeting on the second or fourth Tuesday of the month at the Jackson Fire Department, or contact the Association via the website.

How can I support them?

Donations and attendance at fundraising events; both go to equipment, training, and community programs.

Where do they meet?

40 E Pearl Avenue, at the Jackson Fire Department.