Hernando County is beginning a volunteer fire rescue program, the first of its kind for the county department.
Currently there are 5 volunteers who have joined the program and the department is looking to get as many as 20, explained Alex Lopez, Division Fire Chief. After an application is filed, a background check is performed and an interview is setup for qualified candidates.
“The responsibilities [of a volunteer firefighter] are actually quite similar to a regular firefighter,” explained Lopez. “The biggest difference is whether they are paid or not.”
“Once they are cleared through certain processes [such as] training and orientation to our department, once they reach a certain level, they’ll function the same as a career firefighter on the scene.”
The volunteers will help the department get to the recommended number of personnel responding to an emergency.
“Our career staff will always form that core numbers that we need to have on our units and on emergency scenes and the volunteer firefighters will help supplement that.”
“The national standard for the staffing of fire engines is four personnel per fire engine. We maintain three [career firefighters], which still doesn’t meet that national standard but that’s where the volunteers will help us out,” Lopez explained.
In terms of time commitment, that will be on the volunteer’s terms, but there is a minimum requirement for hours of service per month in order to maintain certifications.
“When they serve is up to them, because it’s at their convenience,” said Lopez.
The program is ideal for firefighters who have received their Certificate of Compliance from the state (state certification) and are looking for a way to complete the required hours of service to keep the state certification.
“Volunteer experience counts towards maintaining that certification,” stated Lopez.
Volunteering also helps the newly certified firefighter transition to a career firefighter. “We liken it to a farm team,” said Lopez. “These are potentially future firefighters. When we are in the hiring phases, for our department to maintain those minimum staffing levels, these are the people we are going to look towards to possibly fill those positions if they so desire.”
Although the volunteers do not receive a salary, there is some cost to the program. “As with anything because of the safety requirements, safety standards and equipment that all firefighters are required to have regardless of volunteer or career, there are costs with bunkered gear, with equipment, uniforms,” Lopez said.
The 20 volunteers are coordinated by the Battalion Chiefs, who cover certain districts in the county. There are three battalion chiefs: east, west and central. The volunteer contacts the Battalion Chief in the area they wish to serve and request a station assignment.
“I started out as a volunteer firefighter back in the day to make sure it was something I wanted to do before I commit,” explained Lopez. “It is a huge commitment, but it’s a great commitment though. I will say that,” added Lopez.
If you are interested in participating in the program, go to:
www.co.hernando.fl.us/firerescue/
And look for the county application.