Millwood Needs Firefighters

Sat., Nov. 27, 1999

By Robin Rivers robinr@spokesman.com

The Millwood Fire Department is looking for a few folks with a passion for helping others.

The department needs to fill several volunteer firefighting positions.

Currently, Millwood has 19 volunteer firefighters. That number needs to grow to 30 by January.

“We just can’t go out there and put any person on that wants to,” said Millwood Fire Chief Bill Clifford, the only paid member of the department. “But we can be limited at times in our response (to emergencies). We need people with commitment and dedication.”

The volunteers he has now do very well, Clifford said. But logistics and regulations make the additional help necessary.

When volunteers respond, they first have to drive to the fire station and get into their gear before heading to an emergency, slowing response times.

Also, a federal law also requires that a minimum of four firefighters be at a scene before anyone can enter a burning building when no lives are at risk.

Being a volunteer firefighter can be very rewarding, Clifford said.

But it’s not easy.

People interested in the job will be required to put in three hours of training a week and Clifford would like to have volunteers put in at least three additional hours getting to know the equipment and working at the station at 9103 E. Frederick.

Volunteers must be in good physical and mental condition.

“At times, it’s real strenuous,” Clifford said. “You have to do things now, to act fast and get the fire under control, or to rescue people.”

APPLY NOW Want to be a firefighter? Requirements for the Millwood firefighting positions include living within two miles of the Frederick Avenue fire station, and having a high school diploma (or GED) and a valid Washington driver’s license. Applications for positions that will be filled this winter will be accepted through Nov. 30. For more information, call Fire Chief Bill Clifford between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at 924-0960.

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