Recruitment Underway for Volunteer Firefighters

The classes, which are held evenings and some weekends throughout the spring, will end with a graduation in June. There is no cost to the students.

Jefferson, Oregon Fire volunteers on scene at a wildfire Photo courtesy: Jefferson Fire

(JEFFERSON, Ore.) - Local fire districts including Turner, Jefferson, Aumsville, Scio, Stayton, Lyons, Sublimity, Gates, Detroit, and Idanha are recruiting community members who would like to become volunteer firefighters.

Those who are selected will participate in the 2008 Santiam Firefighter Academy starting February 27th. A cadre of experienced instructors is scheduled to train men and women to become emergency responders in their respective communities.

According to Assistant Chief Jay Alley of the Stayton Fire District, "The classes will provide students the training needed to earn certification including National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter I, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, NFPA Driver, and other certifications that are required for active participation in the fire service."

Students will not only learn in a classroom setting, but will also experience live fire training, participate in an emergency vehicle driving course, learn basic rescue techniques, and wildland firefighting. They will also be trained in the use of hoses, nozzles, and other various tools used by emergency responders.

The classes, which are held evenings and some weekends throughout the spring, will end with a graduation in June. There is no cost to the students. Application and selection requirements and participation commitments vary from fire district to fire district.

Drug screening, background checks, and other evaluations will be conducted prior to acceptance. Those interested in signing up for this training opportunity should call their local fire district.

• Aumsville Fire District - 503-749-2894
• Gates Fire District - 503-897-2929
• Idanha/Detroit Fire District - 503-854-3494
• Jefferson Fire District - 541-327-2822
• Lyons Fire District - 503-859-2410
• Scio Fire District - 503-394-3000
• Stayton Fire District - 503-769-2601
• Sublimity Fire District - 503-769-3282
• Turner Fire District - 503-743-2190

Elaine Parrott, Spokesperson for Jefferson Fire, says approximately 70% percent of Oregon's firefighters are volunteers.

"Many communities depend exclusively on volunteer firefighters for service. Services they provide include firefighting, emergency medical response, water rescue, high-angle rescue, and hazardous materials emergency response, wildland firefighting, and more, depending on the level of service of the respective fire departments."

She says service as a volunteer firefighter requires hard work at odd hours but is a very rewarding way to serve the local community.