With fire season starting, the Stayton Fire District is seeking additional volunteers.
“Volunteering for the fire service has been on a decline nationwide for many years, and Stayton is no exception,” Chief Jack Carriger said. “Stayton Fire provides service from four stations located in the communities of Marion, Mehama and Elkhorn. All three of these stations are completely volunteer.”
SFD’s fourth station in Stayton has five paid firefighters who work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday, but relies on volunteers to work alongside, he added.
“The district currently has 40 volunteer firefighters throughout the four stations which leaves us at about half the number of firefighters needed,” Carriger said. “We’re looking to recruit as many new firefighters as possible to fill our ranks.”
According to recruitment coordinator Marcus Andrews, the district has experienced some recent success in recruiting new volunteers despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Stayton has welcomed three new recruits and has three candidates that are very close to becoming members. COVID has created many challenges when it comes to recruiting new volunteers,” Andrews said. “The district recruiter’s job is to be out in the public actively engaging with community members in an effort to recruit new members. However, with all community social events and large gatherings canceled, getting out into the public has been virtually impossible, so we have had to rely on social media and flyers.”
Most recently, firefighters had an opportunity to use the hillside at Maps Community Credit Union for a reach-and-treat training. A ropes system was set up and two rescuers were sent downhill to a simulated patient.
“If this sounds interesting and you want to learn more on how to get involved as a volunteer, please call us or submit an interest card,” Andrews said.
General requirements to volunteer are to be between the ages of 18 to 60 and live or work within the district. Candidates must have a valid Oregon Driver License and have no record of criminal history.
Stayton Fire will send all recruits through an accredited firefighter academy to be certified in structure and wildland firefighting. The district also provides Emergency Medical Responder and Emergency Medical Technician training.
A volunteer recruiting video is available at staytonfire.org. For information, call 503-769-2601.
