People who join their local fire department do it for many reasons, to help their neighbors, to meet new friends, for a thrill or just to have some fun. Most firefighters will tell you that their life has changed for the better since they joined their fire department. The experiences that they've had have made them a better person. The training they received made them more prepared to act if they're ever faced with an emergency.

Some runs are dramatic, some are challenging, even more are funny but most of all they are all rewarding. We understand that it's hard to do something for free but we promise that it's an experience like no other you'll find. You know you've been guilty of slowing down at that car crash or walked down to see what was going on when that house down the block caught on fire. Wouldn't you feel better if you were in there and knew how to help?

To get the full picture, go join your local volunteer fire department, if you live in Fayette Township then come down and give it a try for yourself, there are many positions available if fighting fire isn't your thing, and there's no obligation to stay. We firefighters have a special bond amongst us and we'd love to have you join the family. So go on down to your local fire department and ask for an application.

Positions available

You don't have to go in to burning buildings to be part of our department. Here are a few different ways you can serve your community with us.

Firefighter

In the distant past firefighters just put out fires, but these days firefighters have been forced to be the "jack of all trades" of emergency services. If you need help now and it's not a police matter, chances there is a group firefighters on the way to help. Here's a small list of runs we respond to:

• Anything that's on fire or has been on fire...of course.
• Hazardous Materials
• Car wrecks
• Extrications (with the jaws of life)
• Confined space rescue
• Aircraft crashes
• Water rescue
• Building Collapse
• Any rescue situation
• Assist EMS

EMS First Responder

There are times that paramedics and EMT's at SEOEMS need help with a patient. Whether it be a severe medical emergency or the nearest squad is out on a run and they have an extended arrival time. In those cases SEOEMS requests EMS first responders from our station, and we need your help. If you have an Ohio EMS certification consider applying to be a first responder. When EMS grant funds are available we'll even pay for your EMS training. You could get a free certification as an:

• EMS First Responder
• EMT-Basic
• EMT-Intermediate
• Paramedic
  

Associate Member

The associate members are responsible for supporting firefighting and business matters. For example, whenever we respond to a house fire we need someone to set up a rehab area for the firefighters. Associate members play a large role in the safety and well being of the firefighters. They can do anything around the station but are not able to respond on runs unless requested. If you choose to apply for this position and then decide you'd like to become a firefighter, that's no problem. This position is PERFECT for someone who is unsure if the fire service is right for them.

Cadet Program (Jr. Firefighters)

Anyone ages 16-17 can apply for the cadet program (with parental consent). These members are permitted to ride on the trucks to runs but their roles on scene are limited. They are required to stay with the officer in charge of the run. This is an opportunity for young people to learn skills that will serve them for the rest of their life. Cadets serve as probationary members until they turn 18 and pass Ohio's volunteer firefighter course.

Firefighter Incentives Program

• Department sponsored cookouts. We have a dinner for the members about every three months. One for every season. We celebrate the anniversary of our charter in the summer and have a Christmas dinner every year.

"Firefighter of the Month" program

• Awarded to the firefighter with the most points at the end of the month. Points are accrued based on training, emergency responses and participation in special details.

• They receive a certificate of appreciation in the business meetings.

• They're awarded a $25 gift certificate to a local store or restaurant.

• The FF of the month also will receive public recognition of their service on the department website as well as in local media.

"Firefighter of the Year" program

• This honor is given the firefighter who accrues the most points in a year.

• They receive a personalized plaque.

• They're name is added to the Firefighter of the Year plaque at the station.

• They will receive a large prize from the fire department.

• They will also be spotlighted on the department website as well as in the local media.