Rochester fire chief calls for more volunteer firefighters

'If you enjoy being involved in the community, this is one of the best places that you'll ever find that you can give back to your community.'

Rochester Fire Department is seeking volunteers. 

According to Fire Chief TJ DuBois, the department currently has 24 volunteers out of 32 spots available. That number is soon expected to drop to 20, leaving a dozen openings for new volunteers to join. 

"I'd say in the last two and a half years we've lost over half of them. We've got at least three that have left this year," DuBois said, noting reasons for those volunteers' departures include changes in work for one, one moving out of the county and another retiring. "We've got another one I know is going to leave next year, maybe two. That's eight guys right there in a short time frame."

DuBois notes it's an opportune time to apply, as the department is making arrangements to provide emergency responder training. That training takes about a month to complete, with a checklist covering basic firefighting skills such as handling hoses and ladders, putting on turnout gear and air packs properly, radio communications and horizontal ventilation to include doors and windows. 

"The state had made it harder for us to get them in the door because they were requiring there for awhile that everybody had to be a 1 and 2 Firefighter," DuBois said, adding that a Firefighter 1 certification must still be obtained for interior structural firefighting operations. "That is six months at the fastest pace to get through that class, normally about a year."

DuBois estimates that 80 percent of a firefighter's job can be done from outside a building, with those operations falling squarely in the realm of the Emergency Response Support, or ERS, training on the horizon. 

Participants can complete that training at their own pace, coming into the station when they have time. Instructors are available on every shift. 

Eligibility requirements for volunteer firefighters are minimal, with DuBois noting that candidates must be at least 18 years old and not have a felony record. 

The hiring process includes an interview at the fire station, followed by a background check if selected to move forward. Once passed, the department will help them get their Public Safety Identification (PSID) number from the state.

Volunteers are on probationary status for one year, primarily to learn from seasoned firefighters. They are paid $17 per run and $50 for any overnight shift worked. They also receive a $100 clothing allowance and $100 vehicle allowance. 

"If you enjoy being involved in the community, this is one of the best places that you'll ever find that you can give back to your community," DuBois said.

From teaching fire prevention in schools to putting up downtown Christmas lights, DuBois says there's almost always a community project underway. 

In addition to giving back to the community, volunteers also have the opportunity to participate in unique training exercises and drills to include ice rescue, air packs, water rescue, vehicle extrication and more. The fire department also recently conducted training for an airplane rescue and plans for training at the Rochester City Pool next year to additionally create some fun for area children.

DuBois says ideal candidates are not only those with free time to respond to calls, but those eager to learn.

"This is an evolving operation," he said. "I'm 25 years in, and I will still go take classes."

Those on the outskirts of the fire district are still encouraged to inquire about serving as a volunteer. 

"They normally have to be in our fire district, but we are looking at ways to maybe incorporate a little bit more," DuBois said. "Maybe it's time to change those rules a little bit."

Anybody interested or wanting more information are encouraged to call the fire department at 574-223-6113 or stop out at the station, 2006 E. State Road 14, Rochester.