Submitted by Lopez Island Prevention Coalition

Special to the Weekly

Whether they are pulling a hose to an upper floor, ventilating a roof or rescuing victims, local firefighters stand ever ready to serve their community.

San Juan County Fire District #4 also known as Lopez Island Fire and EMS, are pleased to announce that nine of their firefighters recently completed their Firefighter One training. Ken Burtness, Jen English, Harrison Goodrich, Rande Gruenwald, Ralph Hayden, JK Honeywell, Mike Kaminskas, Edwin Kramer and Bree Swanson completed the 120-hour course in June of this year. Jen English, Ken Burtness and Tracie Red Elk tested and received their National and International Firefighter One Certification along with Sam Fowler who trained to Firefighter Two level with San Juan Island Fire. Congratulations to all those who completed this standard for their training.

The Lopez Island Fire and EMS is staffed by 33 volunteers, 20 of whom are firefighters and 13 are EMTs.  Four volunteers are cross-trained as both firefighters and EMTs.

These community volunteers, who respond 24/7 to their community’s fire, emergency, safety and medical needs are asking for your help and support. As a volunteer-based organization they are down in numbers and are asking community members to consider joining their team. Enrollment is now open and applications will be accepted until Jan. 7. Applications can be picked up at the main fire station on Lopez.

More information will be available at a recruitment class held Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lopez Village station. Training for firefighting begins in January 2015 and held on Lopez. Training for EMS will begin in June 2015 and held in Friday Harbor.

All those who may be interested in joining this vital part of Lopez are invited to apply. Consider a gift of community service to yourself and others for this upcoming year. Consider becoming part of the strong and dedicated team who work  hard to save lives and property in our community.