Fire department is looking for volunteers

Sisters fire department officers say there’s still time to become part of an elite team of men and women who serve their community.

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District (RFPD) is still recruiting volunteers, according to Dave Wellington, volunteer coordinator for the district.

“Since we put out the call this summer, we have had about 15 responses,” Wellington said. “Of that number two applicants have signed up and have started their training. I expect at least another three or four to sign up.”

Wellington said that he hopes that informational signs he has posted throughout the district will help attract new applicants.

Many folks in Sisters have talked about becoming a volunteer firefighter just haven’t gotten around to the department.

Volunteer numbers are down while fire call numbers are increasing every year, Wellington explained. The district now has 42 volunteers, but district officers have a goal of maintaining from 55 to 60 volunteers.

The staffing shortage is a serious problem now and may become a crisis in the long term, Wellington said.

“Over 40 percent of our volunteers are in their 50s and 60s,” Wellington explained. “Five years from now there will be fewer of these folks available. Without new people starting now and gaining the needed training and experience, we will be in a crisis situation.”

Volunteer recruits must be men or women at least 18 years of age and while they need not be physical “superheroes” they do need to be in good physical condition and willing to do the required work, Wellington stated.

Besides being in good shape, recruits must pass a background check, be insurable to drive district equipment, and be drug-free.

Volunteers also must live or work within the fire district.

New recruits can expect to spend an initial five to six weekends in their basic training followed by two-hour weekly drills on Monday evenings, Wellington explained. There may be several special drills a year in which firefighters practice fire fighting in a “burn to learn” exercise.

“We know our volunteers have another life with their families and outside interests, so we try very hard to work around their personal schedules,” Wellington added.

“Volunteers provide valuable assistance to the 11 full-time personnel in the district” said Sisters Fire Chief Taylor Robertson. “Without strong volunteer support, our ability to serve the public would be severely impaired.”

Wellington also will soon be encouraging young men and women to sign up as interns. He plans to contact Sisters High School after the first of the year to explain the intern program to high school students.

“Interns are treated as adults, complete the same basic training as other personnel, and can look forward to a great experience with the department,” he said. “The only limitations if they are under 18 years of age is that they cannot drive a vehicle, use power equipment, or enter a burning building.”

Interns still provide critical help in every other way to the department. Some are motivated to either become a volunteer at age 18 or to begin a formal training program to make fire fighting a career, he added.

For more information contact Dave Wellington at 549-0771 or pick up an application at the Sisters Fire Hall at 301 S. Elm St. in Sisters.