Fire Department recruiting volunteers

MOLLY SKYLES
Assistant Editor

RED OAK — The Red Oak Fire Department is looking to recruit volunteers to add to their firefighter crew.

Currently, there are nine paid, full-time firefighters and 20 volunteers. The fire department is always seeking more volunteers, but they hope to get a surge of interested people to start a training class.

In order to become a volunteer firefighter, one must fill out an application, pass a physical test, complete an interview process, attend monthly meetings and complete Firefighter One national training.  

“It takes a special kind of person to be a firefighter,” Brian Pollard, firefighter and paramedic said. “You’re running into a burning building where everyone else is running out.”

To ensure volunteers are well prepared for the task, the Red Oak Fire Department also offers Emergency Medical Service training. The staff currently consists of 10 paramedics, 11 Emergency Medical Technicians and one first responder.  

Aside from their 24 hours, seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year availability for fires and other emergencies, the fire department also provides and installs smoke detectors free of charge to keep the community safe. They also help with community events like Junction Days, do fire inspections and lead school programs such as first aid courses.

“To be a volunteer firefighter, you have to want to give back to your community,” Pollard said. “We accept all walks of life, but it isn’t for everyone. Sometimes the mental strain can be worse than the physical strain.”

Pollard said volunteer numbers are low everywhere; it seems to be a trend of the current generation and due to the economy. However, the Red Oak Fire Department has cutting edge equipment and is a leading department. They responded to 1,500 fire and EMS calls last year alone.

If interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, please stop by the fire station to pick up an application or call 623-6504 for more information.