Last week’s blaze that destroyed the Fireside Event Center near Westville saw units from eleven volunteer fire departments respond to the scene. And it has again focused attention on the fact that more volunteer firefighters are needed. Westville Area Fire Protection District Chief Mark Ames II notes his department is not the only one needing help…
{AUDIO: ‘’We’re all looking for help. So if you’re interested in volunteering reach out to your local fire house and see if you can put in an application.’’}
Ames was asked if there are any specific requirements that someone needs to apply….
{‘’No need for any experience. Each of the fire departments will provide the training and all of the equipment. There’s both on the job training, and we utilize various training sources – both online and through the University of Illinois. I.F.S.I. (Illinois Fire Service Institute) training as an example. We’re currently hosting an I.F.S.I. Essentials Course right now in Westville. And we have on-going training all the time.’’}
The training sessions at the Westville Fire station start at 7 o’clock on Wednesday evenings. But if you live in other areas covered by volunteer fire services you can check with your local fire department for more information.
The Westville Fire Department is one of those in the area which has a cadet program. Some teenagers (both males and females) who started in the cadet program have gone on to become regular members of the departments. (The photo shows a training session which took place for some cadets at the Westville fire station.)
