Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority Looks to Fill Openings

Might you have what it takes to be an on-call firefighter?

This Saturday, three area fire departments, including the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority, are holding open houses on job opportunities at their respective departments. Hartland's is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at , 3205 Hartland Rd.

Hartland Patch asked Hartland Deerfield Chief Adam Carroll questions about the job. Here's the Q&A:

Q: About how many jobs are open and what's the pay?

A: Between the three stations, we have about a dozen on-call firefighter positions available that make about $13 per hour upon completion of basic training. 

Q: Do applicants have to pay for my own training or equipment?

A: All training and equipment is provided by the department.

Q: What are the hours like?

A: For the first eight to 10 months, basic training is about two nights (three to four hours each) a week and one Saturday (six to eight hours) a month. Once completed, firefighters have an average of two to three hours of training a week along with response to calls. On average, this is about eight to 10 hours per week, but varies a lot with an individuals availability.

Q: What do you look for in applicants?

A: We are looking for people with the following qualifications: reside in Hartland, Deerfield, or Tyrone Township; work a regular job; have families; enjoy the lifestyle that the community and surrounding areas provide. Do these men and women sound just like you? Well, the people who respond to calls for help, whether it be a fire in your home, a heart attack, a vehicle accident, and many other calls for help are your neighbors. They are construction workers, engineers, mechanics, computer programmers, machinists, and the list goes on. They are “people just like you” who can make the difference in someone’s life, or even save it.

Q: Why would you encourage people to do this?

A: We are looking for people just like you to become firefighters. Do you have an interest in becoming a firefighter, but are hesitant because you have no experience or prior training? Don’t let that hold you back. All of the training you need will be provided by the fire department. As a member of the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority, you will have the opportunity to be trained in firefighting, medical first response, vehicle extrication, and a number of other specialized skills.

Our community will be exactly what we make it, and it takes everyone’s help to make it work. Would you like to support your community by being a firefighter? One way to find out is to stop in, ask questions, and look around. Remember, its people just like you that can make a difference in someone’s life.

Come check us out on Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at one of the three fire stations listed in the PDF with this story. To make other arrangements for an application, call the fire station at (810) 632-7676.