Grand Rapids Township Fire Looking for Volunteers

Recently, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon at the Division of State Fire Marshal’s campus to announce a statewide Public Service Announcement campaign to raise awareness for Ohio’s need for volunteer firefighters.

“Many Ohio communities rely on volunteer firefighters to keep them and their families safe every day,” said Governor DeWine. “As volunteer numbers decrease, Ohioans are increasingly at risk, which is why it’s so important to spread awareness for Ohio’s need. We hope to encourage everyday Ohioans to become extraordinary heroes by serving their communities as volunteer firefighters.”

The Village of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Township are considered one of these many Ohio communities that Governor DeWine was referring to, as this area is served by a department that is staffed 100% by volunteers.

Towpath Radio reached out to Grand Rapids Township Fire and Rescue to get a measure on the need for volunteers in our community.

“The average age of volunteer firefighters is slowly increasing due to lack of participation from the younger generations,” said Grand Rapids Township Fire and Rescue Lieutenant Dave Alvord. “Fortunately, Grand Rapids Fire Department has been able to maintain its 100% volunteer status, we need to recruit the next generation of firefighters to ensure we keep this volunteer status moving forward.”

Lieutenant Alvord continued, “The term firefighter does not paint the entire picture of what we do. While we do fight fires, the job is much more than that. We are active in the community, we teach fire safety to students, support during severe weather, conduct building inspections, and provide smoke detectors just to name a few. We can find a role for anyone that is committed to helping the community.

Those interested in becoming a firefighter with Grand Rapids Township Fire can reach out to GRTFD@bright.net or fill out an inquiry at https://sites.google.com/view/grandrapidsfire/join-us.

According to the inquiry page, applicants must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, be able to pass a background check, and be willing to pursue a 36-hour firefighting training class. There is no cost for training or gear.

Those who would like to serve at other Ohio departments can visit Makemeafirefighter.org, where you’ll find listings from many Northwest Ohio departments including Providence Township, Washington Township, Liberty Center Fire, Middleton Township, Napoleon, Hoytville, Wauseon, and more.

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