Fire Department accepting applications for call firefighters

Date: 3/28/2011

March 28, 2011

By Richard Brady

East Longmeadow Fire Chief

The East Longmeadow Fire Department is currently accepting applications for call firefighters.

The deadline to apply is April 15. Applications can be picked up Monday through Friday at the East Longmeadow Fire Department, 150 Somers Road, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The next training class will begin in late July. This class will take six to 12 months to complete. A physical examination is required. Applicants must be at least 19 years old and reside in East Longmeadow, or within one mile of the town line.

The East Longmeadow Fire Department is a combination fire department. There are seven full-time firefighters, plus the chief who work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., not including holidays.

There are also 27 call firefighters. This brings the total to 35, including the chief. The plan is to increase the call force by seven call firefighters.

After 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, plus weekends and holidays, all firefighters respond from their homes or wherever they may be. All firefighters carry a fire pager, which is activated by the police after hours and by the fire department during regular working hours. Call firefighters are called Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. when needed. No one knows when there is going to be a fire call.

If you would like more information, please call 525-5430.