Following the success of a program that has kept five aspiring firefighters busy gaining experience for nine months, Creston Fire Rescue is seeking new candidates for the coming year.
“Having five people on call 24-hours-a-day as part of our firefighting crew has worked really well,” Mayor Ron Toyota said on Monday. “At the same time that they are gaining valuable experience as they pursue their chosen career, these men and women have helped make our community safer and contributed significantly to our team of volunteers.”
Under the supervision of fire Chief Mike Moore, the work experience program (WEP) participants have lived in a building adjacent to the fire hall for a year.
“Daily duties of the WEP firefighter is balanced between, but not limited to, fire suppression, technical rescue, medical response, fire prevention, public education, company fire inspections, preplanning, maintenance duties of equipment and fire station, as well as community events,” Moore said. “WEP firefighters work a standard daytime shift routine Monday to Friday and are scheduled for duty coverage on weekends on a rotational basis.”
To be accepted to the program, applicants must make a 12-month commitment. Participants will be released if they gain employment with a career fire department.
“We have been fortunate in having these young people in our community — and the program’s success is a tribute to the efforts of Chief Moore and Assistant Chief Jared Riel, “ Toyota said.