Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Are you willing to dedicate a good portion of your free time to make Churubusco a better and safer community? Then the Churubusco / Smith Twp. Volunteer Fire Department just might be your calling.
How Do I Join?
First you must be 18 years of age or older. You also need to live within our coverage area. To give you an idea of where we cover, if you live in Smith, Green or Eel River Township’s you’re more than likely in our coverage area.
Next you can stop by the station and pick-up an application from any command personnel. We’re typically at the station every Tuesday night from 7:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the second Monday of every month for our business meeting. Or you can download our fire department application right here.
Please contact us prior to attending this meeting so we’re aware that you’re coming.
Facts & Figures About The Department
Let’s face it, it’s dangerous but in today’s modern world and the high quality equipment we have, firefighters are much more safe than they were a decade ago.
We currently have a roster of 30 people maximum, but we’re always evolving and changing and would like for you to apply no matter our current personnel status!
Every year we respond to approximately 400 emergency incidents which include everything from house fires, downed power lines and medical incidents.
2008 Statistics
Total Fire Runs: 122
Total Rescue Runs: 56
Total Medical Runs: 246
Total Incidents: 424
When are you on duty?
As with many all volunteer departments, we do not have set hours we work or are at the fire station. Every member is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. So yes, at times we leave our jobs, our family gatherings and holidays or even wake up from our sleep to respond. We have to work in the summer heat, downpours, snow, sleet and rain. So yea, it’s kind of like working for the post office with life threatening possibilities.
So medics and firefighters are different?
Correct – In our department they are. Both are completely different agencies with different budgets, personnel directors, rules, regulations and standards. We do have firefighters who do both jobs, but each reports to a different person.
What does it take to become a firefighter?
In the volunteer service it takes a lot more these days than in the past. From our own in-house training requirements to ones mandated by the state, it does take time. But rest assured once your training is complete and you’re accepted into our “family” the reward is worth the effort.
