The Flint Journal
CLIO, Mich. — The resignations of six firefighters in a year have left the fire authority searching for volunteers.
Fire Authority Chief Gary Domerese says the job is just too much for some people, forcing firefighters to leave and others to not even try.
In the past year, Fire Station 2 in Thetford Township has lost six firefighters, and two volunteers quit in the middle of training.
Some say it's the amount of time and dedication the job requires that has pushed people away.
"It's getting harder to get firefighters and volunteers because of the time commitment it takes," Domerese said. "For the first year, it takes a huge commitment from the volunteer and families, as well."
In their first year, volunteers have to go to firefighter academy at least two days a week from October to April.
If they make it through the academy, volunteers must undergo rookie training for the department and have weekly and monthly training sessions, some of which are mandated by the government.
On top of this, they are still responsible for responding to incidents.
Domerese said the authority, which serves Clio and Thetford and Vienna townships, hired two firefighters in January, but their stay didn't last long.
"Once they realized the time and commitment, they backed out," Domerese said.
Losing firefighters yearly is typical, Domerese said, but to lose six in one year is uncommon for his department.
"That's happened over a period of the last year," Domerese said.
"People moving out of the area and that type of thing. This year, it just happens to be a higher year than normal. There are no issues."
The authority has about 60 volunteers who serve nearly 22,000 residents. It operates out of two stations, one each in Vienna Township and Thetford Township.
The authority hires in January and June but takes applications all year.
There are several requirements, including being at least 18 years old, a resident of Clio, Thetford or Vienna, passing a physical examination and not having a felony conviction. People who work an estimated 40 hours a week in one of the three municipalities but do not live in the area can also apply.
Details: (810) 686-7676 or www.cliofire.com.
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