Fire Department encouraging high school students to volunteer

(Photo by Randy M. Cauthron) The Spencer Fire Department is introducing a new reserve program for high school students between the ages of 16 and 18. The program is focused on offering training and practical fire experience to students interested in volunteering with the fire department. [Order this photo]

It stuck.

In addition to serving as a member of Spencer's volunteer fire fighting force, Schipper is employed as a part of Iowa's Fire Marshal unit. Not only does he battle the blazes but he investigates the cause.

Now, Schipper, Spencer Fire Chief Doug Duncan and the Spencer Fire Department want to extend the same opportunity to the youth of the community.

The Spencer Fire Department is introducing a new reserve program for high school students, ages 16 to 18, male or female.

Offering a concept similar to the Explorer's programs that exist in larger communities, Schipper said the new reserve opportunity will benefit both the department and those interested in exploring fire fighting opportunities.

"High schoolers are encouraged to consider role on fire rescue team," Schipper said. "It will help us out. We've had some kids interested, but they weren't old enough to join the department. This is a way to give them one more thing to do.

"We're not going to put them in harm's way, but they're going to experience it and learn it."

Schipper said the department will spend the next month collecting applications and then hope to begin the selection process. "We'll take one or we'll take 10."

Upper Des Moines has agreed to assist the fire department with special funding through its Youth Enrichment dollars, contributing towards the equipment needed for the reserve fire squad including boots, helmets and safety gear. The total cost to equip one fire fighter approaches $2,000 according to Schipper.

"We're going to train them to be fire rescue people. They're going to learn the basics of fire fighting. The reserve members will be responding to fire calls with the rest of the department.

"They won't be going into burning buildings, but they will assist us in safe zones. We can use them in training in a controlled environment. This is more like an apprentice program."

Schipper said for some, there could be a career in the future - in Spencer or elsewhere.

"Once they turn 18 if they would like to apply for a position with the fire department they can do that, or maybe we get a few that want to go on to college and go into fire services somewhere else; we'll be proud of them.."

As the fire department sees it, the reward of a program like this is two-fold.

"The push behind it is to add to our numbers without having to hire more full-time people, and secondly to get the youth more involved. To get them an opportunity to learn a trade or a skill….We're trying to keep volunteers. People don't volunteer like they used to. We have a lot of older members on the department, it will give us sort of a mentoring or tutoring thing," Schipper said.

"This will give our department more stake in the community. We're always looking for ways to get more involved."

For the Spencer Fire Department, demand is up. Schipper said, "Anything you don't call law enforcement for, you call the fire department."

The Spencer squad received 370-plus calls last year - more than one a day.

"Fire fighting is dangerous, but it's only a small part of what we do anymore," Schipper explained. "It's a vital service we provide to the community. This gives the kids a chance to see if they want to sacrifice a part of their life to help their fellow man."

In addition to responding to emergency calls, the department also serves at the Clay County Fair, sporting events, fire inspection, auto racing and other activities at the Events Center and around town.

Schipper said that the reserve fighters will also have the chance to learn about the budgeting process at the fire department as well as other administrative processes.

Schipper also reminded that the department is seeking new firefighters all the time over the age of 18, but cautioned those interested, "It's a big time commitment. They have to undergo certifications and train four or five times a month."

Those wishing to apply for the reserves or are interested in becoming a certified fire fighter for the Spencer Fire Department can call 580-7240 or stop in and pick up an application.

Department Benefits:

Impact on the education process of youth

Team-building attitude within the department

Opportunity to interpret adult occupational roles for youth

Preparing young adults for transition into the work zone

Developing future responsible and caring adults

Helping young adults gain insight into the ethics and ideals of fire/emergency services

Visible commitment to the welfare of your community

Youth Benefits

Stimulated interest in continual education

Career information; insight into future vocation

Positive alternative to negative youth activities, such as drug abuse and involvement with gangs

Sense of acceptance and belonging to the "right" group

Opportunities to participate in practical, real, and hands on experiences

New career and personal skills

Opportunities to try leadership roles and develop skills

Cooperative relationship between adults and youth

Service to others

Criteria to Become a Recruit Member of the Fire-Rescue Department

1. Between the ages of 16 and 18.

2. Pass a background check and have valid driver's license

3. Good physical condition.

4. Zero tolerance for unacceptable behavior.

5. Receive fire-rescue training

6. Receive self-contained breathing apparatus training

7. Not allowed to wear pagers during school hours.

8. Not allowed in burning structures or hot zones.

9. Not allowed to respond to accidents with injuries.

10. Not allowed to answer calls after city curfew.

11. Assist regular firefighters in safe zones

12. Issue turnout gear for protection.

13. Issued pagers.

14. Must maintain good grades.

15. Must have parental consent.

16. Read, write and speak English.

17. Must live within one mile of Spencer city limits.