Volunteers Needed: Three Forks Fire Department seeks new members

The Three Forks Volunteer Fire Department is seeking new members.

According to Training Captain Charles Eastty, they currently have 14 volunteers out of the 28 spots available. While the optimal number of new volunteers would be another 14 for a full roster, they hope to fill at least six positions in the near future.

"Because when someone's life is on the line, we are going to do everything we can to create the best outcome possible. That is easier with the more trained volunteer firefighters we have," said Eastty. "According to the National Fire Protection Agency, a low-hazard structure fire requires 15 firefighters. On a good day, we don't have that many firefighters available. So, we rely on our mutual aid partners from other departments to complement our staffing."

While the department is very appreciative of the time the volunteers put into calls, Eastty said many of the firefighters work out of town and are not always available.

"We strive to keep consistent staffing and make sure that volunteers are around to cover calls on the weekend and other peak times. But there are many times that it is difficult. For example, if we were dispatched to a structure fire Monday at 11 a.m., the large majority of our firefighters would be at work, and we may have a limited response." Eastty said.

As he has actively talked to many people about joining, Eastty has found the biggest excuse they give him is they don't have the time.

"Well, if we are going to be honest, most of our volunteers don't have the time either. But they make the time because helping others in their time of need is important to them. It is all about your priorities, and it seems like our culture of serving others is broken. Until it changes, volunteer fire departments will continue to suffer. We have seen the number of volunteers nationally dwindle, and the amount of calls they are asked to respond to continues to skyrocket," Eastty said.

Those who join will have the opportunity to give back to the community.

"All our volunteer firefighters love what they do in one way or another. The most rewarding aspect is when you meet someone that you had a part in saving their life, cutting them out of a car, or helping save their home. As a volunteer firefighter for the City of Three Forks, you can actually make a difference in someone else's life. But to get to that level, it takes training, dedication, and time," Eastty said.

When discussing the training for a new member, Eastty said the department takes it very seriously. They require all new volunteers to undergo probationary training for the first year and go over all the basics of firefighting, from second-floor rescue to vehicle extrication.

"Once a new firefighter is off probation, we require 30 hours of training per year at minimum, and many of our firefighters train four to five times that," he said.

Eastty encouraged anyone interested in joining to come and talk to them at the department's weekly meetings on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Fire Hall located at 13 East Date to see if it's actually something they would like to do.

"Because it is a commitment and is not for everyone. If you are ready to start the process, you are more than welcome to stop by the City Hall and pick up an application as well," he said.