It’s rewarding, it’s a way to give back, and sometimes it provides an adrenaline rush.
There are many reasons to apply to be a part-time firefighter with the Huntsville Lake of Bays (HLOB) Fire Department, and if it’s a dream of yours, don’t miss your chance this month. The fire department is in the midst of a recruitment drive, and is accepting applications until May 31.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Here are a few of the things you should consider before applying.
First, there’s the commitment. New recruits must be available for about nine full weekends of training between September 2019 and May 2020—the schedule is set ahead of time and attendance is non-negotiable.
“Our training is intensive,” says Paul Calleja, Training/Suppression Captain for the HLOB Fire Department. “There is testing involved and in order to prepare you need to be present.” That’s especially true for those with no firefighting experience. If you do have some experience with a different department or have a certificate from prior training, attendance is still required for most sessions but testing can occur sooner.
Prior experience is not a requirement, though. “My job is to train you so you can respond safely and effectively,” says Calleja.
You must have a flexible schedule—a call could come in at any time of the day, and could last anywhere from less than an hour to more than eight hours. If you have another job, you’ll want to check in with your employer to ensure they are supportive and understand that you may need to leave at a moment’s notice.
You need to be able to juggle family time, work, leisure time, and your commitment to the fire department. It’s more of a lifestyle than just something you want to do. There is no set schedule. You never know when your pager could go off and you need to commit to the fact that you could have to leave at any time.
Paul Calleja, Training/Suppression Captain, Huntsville Lake of Bays Fire Department
That means that you also have to have reliable transportation and a G license so that you can get yourself to the fire hall.
Recruits must also be physically fit. It’s helpful if you are good with your hands, too. “This is a hands-on organization,” notes Calleja. “If you like tools and figuring out how and why things work, this is a good place to use those skills.”
And you must be a people-person. “Nothing you do is alone. From training to calls, you are always with at least one other person,” says Calleja.
The Huntsville Lake of Bays Fire Department responds to a variety of calls, including ice rescue (Photo: HLOB Fire Department )
Although they are sometimes referred to as volunteer firefighters, part-time firefighters do get paid for both training and calls at a rate that depends on rank, experience, and time.
They also respond to more than fire suppression calls, for both structures and wildland fires. The HLOB Fire Department can be called to attend motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials situations like a propane leak, ice and water rescues, low-angle slope rescues, alarm calls—some of which are false alarms—and may even be called to assist in a search for a missing person. They will provide basic first aid as necessary while waiting for paramedics to arrive on scene.
All of the training and commitment is worth it, says Calleja.
“Most people say they want to give back to the community,” he says. “They like the camaraderie, some like the adrenaline rush of driving down Main Street with lights and sirens going, some have career aspirations—we’ve had a number of members that have secured full-time firefighting positions with other municipalities. It really does feel good when you can help. You can go home at night and say ‘I made a difference for someone’.”
Photo: Todd Gates
Want to be a firefighter? Apply online before May 31 here. Be prepared to upload your resume at the same time.
If you have questions about being a firefighter or about the application and training process, contact Paul Calleja at [email protected].
This is a sponsored story paid for by the featured advertiser.
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