Elburn fire department looks to fill spots
Fire fighting techniques have progressed quite a bit since the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District was founded in 1882 as the Blackberry Hook and Ladder Co.
Today the district that serves 77 square miles and a population of 23,500 in and around Elburn fights fires and runs ambulances with the latest high-tech equipment.
But one thing remains the same: The department is looking for qualified men and women who wish to become paid, part-time firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
They must participate in a rigorous training course that involves a lot of hard work, studying and zero compensation, except for the satisfaction of working toward a goal.
"We look for people who are willing to put in the time," said Lt. Mike Huneke, who runs the training program. "It's a huge commitment and they need to be dedicated."
In addition to hiring full-time employees from an eligibility list of candidates, the department chooses three to nine people each year for Huneke's training program.
Sam Barisch of St. Charles began the program in January 2006 and finished in March of this year. He was class valedictorian and, like some of his classmates, he had already obtained his basic EMT license through a course at Elgin Community College. For others, the Elburn course can take up to two years.
"In this program, you begin basic EMT training, and about halfway through the course you start your ride time," Barisch said. The recruits ride on fire and ambulance calls with members of the department.
The program requires at least eight hours a week of ride time and extra time is encouraged.
As there is no pay, Barisch was working a full-time job as well as a seasonal part-time job while studying and doing ride time.
The Elburn program also includes firefighting courses offered at the Southern Kane County Training Association run through the North Aurora Fire Department.
"The advantage of this program is that you get to know the people and you really get to know the job," said Barisch, who now works part-time as a firefighter and EMT for the Elburn department.
He supplements his income by working at a restaurant at Geneva Commons, but plans to go to a community college and complete training that would make him eligible for full-time work at Elburn or elsewhere.
For information on the Elburn program, call Hunecke at (630) 365-9226.
If you go
What: The Elburn Fire Department will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a parade through town and a festival Sept. 15 at Lions Park.
Schedule: 9 a.m. Emergency Vehicle Parade; 11 a.m. fire and EMS demonstrations; 1 p.m. children's water competition; 2 p.m. fire and EMS skill competition
Info: www.ecfpd.com
Fire fighting classes
Associate degrees in fire fighting, emergency medical technician and paramedic services are offered at Elgin Community College, the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, and at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove.
Waubonsee Community College now offers two new associate in applied science degree programs in EMT and paramedic training. These new programs, approved by the board in January, are a collaboration between Waubonsee and the Southern Fox Valley Emergency Medical Services System Paramedic Training Program based at Delnor-Community Hospital in Geneva.