The Cottage Grove Fire Department, like 80% of communities across the nation, relies on Volunteers to answer the call. If you are at least 18 years of age, reside and/or work in the Town or Village of Cottage Grove and have an interest in learning more, please call the department's non-emergency number (608-839-4343), and a Personnel Committee member will contact you to answer any questions and provide you with additional information. Click here to download an Application: Cottage Grove Fire Application http://www.cottagegrovefire.org/uploads/1/2/4/6/124641785/cottage_grove_fire_dept__application.docx ​ ​The Cottage Grove Fire Department will supply you with your own Personal Protective Equipment and the necessary training. The community will provide you with the work. Because the CGFD is fully volunteer, it is important the the Training Program and modules correlate and provide a direct balance with a member's family and home life. All training is paid for by the department Training evolutions are scheduled on the first, third, and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month. Additional trainings and make-ups are often scheduled on the fifth Tuesday. Members also complete training and truck checks on scheduled Sunday mornings. The training schedule for the upcoming year is prepared in early December and combines more than 130 topics annually. While the main focus is basic fire and rescue tactics and strategies, the CGFD considers itself proactive in adapting to new and more advanced techniques. We review target hazards, methods of operation, water movement, water supply, fire ground tactics, ICS, firefighter safety, accountability, RIT and much more. In addition to department training evolutions, new members are required to complete basic firefighting courses through MATC, or provide documentation of completed courses. The Cottage Grove Fire Department will pay for the course fees and provide any necessary textbooks. | Requirements: 18 years of age, reside and/or work in the Town or Village of Cottage Grove and have an interest in learning more | Categories: Other, Firefighter

Help individuals navigate the complex process of applying for benefits. Provide counseling on work incentives and assist beneficiaries in making informed choices about increasing work earnings or going to work.

Assist young people with disabilities in preparing for life after high school and achieving their work goals. This role involves mentoring, providing employment counseling, and supporting youth in their transition to employment.

Assist in providing rapid, compassionate assistance to communities facing traumatic events. Volunteers work alongside highly trained service dogs to offer comfort and stability during critical incidents such as natural disasters and first responder debriefings.

Mentor young men at high risk of gun violence, helping them develop a post-graduation plan. Facilitate weekly discussions on life skills and provide guidance on transitioning into adulthood.

Support school-aged youth in making better life choices and developing career goals. Provide mentorship, skills training, and emotional support to increase school engagement and reduce recidivism.

Assist the Outreach Team in developing relationships with individuals at high risk of gun violence. Provide support through job placement, mental health treatment, and legal services, while offering mentoring and life coaching.

Volunteers are needed to help sort, label, or pack/re-pack food into family-friendly portions for distribution to our community. Tasks include sorting fresh produce, labeling frozen pizzas, and packing boxes with food for distribution.

Assist in providing patient-centered care and support services to improve access to healthcare. Engage with patients to navigate community resources and overcome barriers to care.

Participate in construction projects at the Occupy Madison villages, including hanging drywall and assisting with various building tasks. Volunteers are needed most weekdays in the evenings.

Provide a temporary home for animals in need until they are adopted. Foster volunteers help animals adjust to home life and prepare them for their forever homes.

Volunteers staff tables at events, answer questions, provide information, and sell merchandise. They are responsible for setting up and taking down tables, with supplies and training provided by Underdog Pet Rescue.

Grant writing volunteers use their persuasive writing skills to craft compelling grant applications that support Underdog Pet Rescue's mission and projects.

Event planning volunteers help organize and execute events like Wags & Whiskers, bringing the community together and supporting fundraising efforts.

Volunteers support marketing and advertising efforts to enhance Underdog Pet Rescue's brand and community awareness, utilizing their expertise to spread the word about the organization.

Community building volunteers work to unite volunteers, adopters, and the Madison area around the mission of rescuing and adopting out more animals.

Social media volunteers manage and promote Underdog Pet Rescue's presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, helping to increase awareness and engagement.

IT/Tech volunteers assist in maintaining and improving the organization's technological systems to better serve the animals and community.

Transport volunteers drive adoptable pets from various locations to Madison, ensuring safe and comfortable travel. Volunteers need a reliable vehicle and a good driving record, with mileage being tax-deductible.

The Food Bridge Program connects older adults to nutritious food from one of our three partnered food pantries around Madison. Volunteers are matched with one to two older adults to deliver food boxes to.