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Recruitment is key for local volunteer fire departments Perhaps you have never had to make a 911 call for a fire or accident. For those who have, they know the dedication of local fire and rescue volunteers. Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of the community and without them, every household and business would be at risk. Mumford Fire Chief Dan Chapman says recruitment is key to keeping volunteer fire departments a vital part of any community. Chapman says it is important for the community to know that they can volunteer in a variety of capacities at their local fire department. Conversely, it is the role of the local fire department to educate the community on ways they can help. Recruitment methods have changed over the years. Joining a local fire department no longer means you have to be a front line firefighter. It’s important to organize a good support structure of volunteers who want to help with the business of the fire department but do not want to fight fires. "Exterior firefighters" as they are called, perform many different duties at the scene of a fire. A group of designated drivers is another way to help out you local fire department. Fire police are necessary to secure safety in and around a fire or accident scene for both the firefighters and pedestrians and motorists. Perhaps you are a qualified person to provide mental and spiritual help for firefighters. A chaplain and or grief team is a group of individuals trained to help firefighters deal with the emotional stress of continually being in a life saving situation. They are also trained to assist families in emergency situations. Volunteers who can provide support in areas such as clerical, cleaning, cooking, fundraising, record keeping, etc. are always needed. They provide important services to the local fire department, and take a large load off the "hands on firefighters" so that they can put their efforts solely into firefighting. Mumford Fire Chief Dan Chapman asks that you consider the many ways that you can help your local fire department. The Mumford Fire Department averages 140 fire/emergency calls a year. In 2004, MFD has already responded to 92 calls. For more information about the Mumford Fire Department, you can call them at 538-2330 or email:
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