Cloverdale fire district seeks volunteers

The Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD) is seeking new volunteers to participate in Central Oregon's firefighter recruit academy. The training program will take place beginning in September and will last until December.

The recruit program consists of a number of classes, taken every Saturday for the four-month period (September-December). These classes are comprised of training courses to certify participants as a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter 1. A Firefighter 1 certification is the next step above a basic firefighter.

Volunteers must be residents of the Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District.

The Cloverdale RFPD area includes approximately 40 square miles within which lie about 1,500 homes, between the Sisters, Bend and Redmond fire districts.

CRFPD Chief, Chuck Cable, says that he is looking for two kinds of volunteers.

"We are looking for those who want to become active firefighters and we are also looking for those who wish to serve just as drivers and apparatus operators," he said. "This gives those who may be unable to physically fight fire a chance to serve the fire district and their community, as well. If you already possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), that's even better, though not required."

A volunteer must be able to respond at all hours of the day or night to any number of emergencies if necessary.

"Being a volunteer is a time commitment. Once the initial training is over, ongoing training is essential to remaining ready to respond," said Lt. Michael Valoppi.

Volunteer training and equipment is paid for by CRFPD.

Cloverdale RFPD holds training drills Monday nights at 7 p.m. at Station 601 located at 68787 George Cyrus Rd.

For more information visit http://www.cloverdalefire.com or call 548-4815 Monday through Friday.