CAMANO ISLAND — The local fire department needs more volunteers, and it’s trying something new to make that happen.
A public meeting is planned 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Vista/Madrona fire station, 273 N.W. Camano Drive.
Like many fire departments, Camano Island Fire and Rescue has struggled to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. People’s lifestyles have changed over the past few decades, making it harder to commit to the extensive training required by state law.
The department wants to be more flexible, to encourage folks to get involved, Assistant Fire Chief Levon Yengoyan said. Now, if they wish, volunteers can do only the emergency medical training and not the firefighting portion. About 70 percent of the department’s emergency calls are for medical problems, not flames.
“We have more and more people who work off the island,” Yengoyan said. “It’s hard to get and train volunteers, and it takes so much time.”
People who don’t live on the island also can apply now, something that wasn’t allowed before. Those volunteers would work shifts on the island — a good option for those who want to become career firefighters and need experience.
“We’re really opening it up,” Fire Chief Michael Schick said Tuesday. “This is a good place to start.”
Schick spent his first year as chief learning about the department’s past and present, he said. Now it’s time to think about the future.
The department has about 21 full-time firefighters, eight part-time firefighters and 20 active volunteers. They responded to a record number of calls in 2014, and they’re on track to beat that this year. They’re also developing a community paramedic program and starting an advisory group. The advisory group, which still has openings, is expected to start meeting next month.
Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical providers must be 18 years old. While volunteering, they get a chance to help others, learn new skills and give back, Yengoyan said. Those interested should call him at 360-387-1512.
“If people want to serve their community, this is a great way to do it,” he said.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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