Get Involved & Volunteer
Marion County, Illinois needs volunteers. Whether you have an hour a month or want to commit to becoming a credentialed responder, there's a role that fits. Volunteers train, exercise, and respond alongside MCEMA staff — supporting EOC operations, severe weather, mass care, communications, and recovery.
Apply to Marion County EMA — OHS
Become a credentialed Marion County EMA volunteer. Six numbered companies plus EOC Operations group with assignments in Traffic Incident Management, Special Operations (DRT/RTF/SAR/Water Rescue), Planning & Recovery, OHS Operations, and First Responders.
1. Marion County EMA — OHS Membership
The MCEMA fields a 10-grade department structure. New volunteers enter as Probationary Members and progress through Emergency Management Member, EM Specialist I, EM Specialist II / FTO, Sr. Specialist (SGT), Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Director, and Director. Field assignments are organized into six numbered Companies plus the EOC Operations group.
Entry-level rank. Train under an assigned mentor (typically an EM Specialist II / FTO). Complete department orientation, NIMS / ICS prerequisites, and assigned company training before promotion to EM Member.
Apply ↗Scene management, traffic control, and motorist support during traffic incidents on US-50, IL-37, county roads, and the I-57 corridor.
See company structure →Statewide interoperability, emergency preparedness, school & campus safety, DVEP / TVTP, critical infrastructure protection, intelligence operations, REP&R, hazardous materials.
See company structure →Recovery planning, training and exercises, hazard mitigation, debris management, and individual & community assistance after disasters.
See company structure →Drone Task Force, Rescue Task Force (RTF), Search and Rescue (SAR), Water Rescue. Specialized training and gear required.
See company structure →Field-side first-responder element supporting on-scene operations during major incidents.
See company structure →Manning the Emergency Operations Center during activations — situational awareness, EOC reporting, call logs, PIO support. Lead: Terry Mulvany (1650).
See EOC group →- Marion County resident (or live within 30 miles)
- 18 years or older (16+ for Junior Cadet program if available)
- Valid Illinois driver's license
- Pass background check (felonies disqualifying; case-by-case for misdemeanors)
- Complete FEMA IS-100, IS-700 within first 90 days
- Attend monthly drills (typically 1 evening / month)
- Available for emergency callout when possible
2. CERT — Community Emergency Response Team
FEMA-sponsored 20-hour course teaching neighbors to help neighbors during disasters. Learn fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, terrorism preparedness. Once trained, deploy as a team after disasters when professional responders are overwhelmed.
FEMA CERT ↗3. NWS Skywarn — Storm Spotter Program
Trained volunteers report severe weather (hail, tornadoes, damaging wind, flooding) to the National Weather Service. Reports feed directly into NWS warning decisions for Marion County (zone ILZ070). Free 2-hour training annually.
NWS Skywarn ↗4. ARES / RACES — Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Licensed amateur radio operators provide backup communications when commercial / public-safety systems fail. Operate from the EOC, provide field comms during exercises and emergencies. Requires FCC Technician class license (basic test, ~$15).
ARRL ARES ↗5. Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
Medical and public health professionals (active and retired) and non-medical community members supporting public health emergencies. Operates POD (Point of Dispensing) sites, mass vaccination clinics, shelters, and surveillance.
MRC ↗6. Partner Volunteer Programs
Sheltering, mass care, casework, disaster mental health, damage assessment. Marion County is covered by the Red Cross Southern Illinois chapter. Training provided.
Red Cross ↗Mass feeding, emotional and spiritual care, warming/cooling center support, donations management. Centralia Corps at 216 S Commercial St covers Marion County.
Salvation Army ↗Six volunteer fire protection districts in Marion County (Centralia Twp, Sandoval, Patoka, Odin, Kinmundy-Alma, Iuka). Most are recruiting. Training paid for; gear provided.
Find your local FPD →Some Marion County PDs run reserve / auxiliary programs for community members supporting traffic control, parade duty, and special events.
Find your local PD →Support Animal Control during emergencies (mass evacuation, sheltering pets/livestock during floods, fires). Coordinated by Whitney Purcell + Ken Ferguson.
Email Animal Control →Local churches and faith communities open shelters, deliver meals, and provide casework. Coordinated through ESF-6 partners. Many denominations have their own response programs (UMCOR, LDS Charities, etc.).
Get connected →7. How to Apply — MCEMA Membership Process
- Email Cody Rose at crose@marionco.illinois.gov with your name, contact info, occupation, and what role interests you most. Include any prior emergency response experience or training.
- Initial conversation with a department officer to discuss expectations, time commitment, and assignment options. Usually 30–45 minutes.
- Application packet — complete the standard MCEMA application form (provided after the initial conversation). Includes background check authorization.
- Background check through MCSO. Felonies are disqualifying; misdemeanors are reviewed case-by-case. ~2–3 weeks.
- Probationary appointment as a Probationary Member with assigned ID number (1640-series). Issued initial gear and credentials.
- Onboarding training — FEMA IS-100, IS-700, MCEMA orientation, and Company-specific training. Complete within 90 days.
- Probation review at 6–12 months. On successful completion, promote to EM Member (rank 2).
- Continued progression — EM Specialist I → EM Specialist II / FTO → Sr. Specialist (SGT) → Lieutenant. Advancement based on performance, training completion, and openings.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get paid?
MCEMA member roles are volunteer — no salary. Some grants reimburse training costs and mileage. Volunteer fire and police auxiliary roles vary by department; some pay per-call stipends.
What's the time commitment?
Typical MCEMA member: ~4–8 hours/month for drills, plus emergency callouts (which are sporadic — multi-day during major incidents, otherwise rare). EOC Operations group can have higher commitment during weather events. Probationary period requires completing the FEMA IS courses within 90 days (about 6 hours of online study).
Do I need prior emergency response experience?
No. Many members come from non-emergency backgrounds (teachers, IT, retirees, students). Training is provided. What we look for: reliability, ability to follow instructions under pressure, willingness to learn, and ability to work as part of a team. Prior experience (military, healthcare, fire, LE, ham radio) is a plus and may shorten training timelines.
Will my employer let me deploy?
Illinois law (50 ILCS 745) provides job protection for emergency management volunteers when they are activated by the County or State during declared emergencies. We provide a letter to your employer explaining your role. Many employers actively support emergency volunteer service.
What if I can't make every drill?
Attendance is expected, not perfect. Excused absences for work, family, or health reasons are handled by your Lieutenant. Members who miss too many drills without explanation may be moved to inactive status or asked to step back.
Can I join more than one program (e.g. MCEMA + CERT + Skywarn)?
Yes. Many MCEMA members are also Skywarn spotters and CERT-trained. ARES/RACES members often serve in both EOC and field roles. Just be honest about your time. Single-program focus is also fine and welcome.
Is there an age minimum?
Adult membership: 18+. Some partner programs (Red Cross, Skywarn) accept volunteers as young as 14 with parent consent for specific tasks. CERT is open to teens with adult sponsorship.
Can my whole family / civic group volunteer?
Yes — this is encouraged. Civic groups often coordinate to staff Skywarn nets, CERT teams, or shelter operations together. Email Cody for group orientation.
What if I'm a registered nurse / EMT / paramedic?
You're highly valued. The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Region 4 program lets you support public health emergencies. MCEMA Company 5 (Special Ops) also includes RTF (Rescue Task Force) roles. Multiple paths.