Culver City : Fire Reserve Program OKd
The Fire Department has won approval for a firefighter reserve program, a move city officials say will save money and improve service.
The City Council voted unanimously last week to approve formation of a 22-member reserve force of trained volunteers.
“If our firefighters need backup due to civil unrest or an earthquake, God forbid, we will be ready with plenty of force,” Councilman Albert Vera said.
Reserve firefighters will help during major emergencies and augment staffing on fire trucks. Reserves may also participate in safety inspections and public education programs.
Applicants must be 18 and must have graduated from a fire academy or be certified by the state. Reserves are expected to volunteer 48 hours a month for a minimum of one year.
The Fire Department will begin recruiting graduates from area fire academies soon, Assistant Chief Stan Isbell said.
Reserves benefit by receiving on-the-job training while trying to land a full-time job with a fire department, Isbell said, and competition for those jobs in Los Angeles County is fierce. Culver City receives hundreds of applicants for every job posted, he said.
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