Starting in 2011, the LSFD is offering a Citizens Fire Academy and a Fire Corps Volunteer program that will allow citizens within the community to learn more about their fire department and the chance to become involved in non-operational tasks. As a fire academy volunteer, participants will receive hands-on training in different skills required of firefighters such as hose and ladder operations, and apparatus, equipment and tool familiarization. They will also get the chance to participate in some fire ground activities such as the use of the firefighter’s self-contained breathing apparatus and search and rescue. Fire academy volunteers will meet and be trained by fire department personnel. After competition of the training and graduation, volunteers can continue being active with the fire department in areas that interest them. This can help relieve front line fire and EMS personnel from some of their administrative tasks. If they are interested in becoming more involved in fire operations, they may choose to join the LSFD Emergency Services Unit (ESU).

Established in 2005, the "LSFD Volunteer Emergency Services Unit" (ESU) provides supplemental operational and administrative assistance specifically in the area of fire, disaster and related emergency services. The ESU is based upon the Federal "Community Emergency Response Team"(C.E.R.T.) and "Federal Fire Corps" concept-LSFD took the program a step further. According to LSFD Chief Ott Huber, the ESU members may choose to be assigned to a mutually agreed upon duty crew at a firehouse and participate directly in emergency response activities along with the on duty regular firefighters. ESU members are also subject to "call out" to assist at specific situations as needed. ESU member duties have included assisting at fire and emergency calls, performing traffic control at events and incidents, disaster support services such as flood and wind storm response, community events such as Loveland’s Amazing Race, and other long term situations. Additional duties for some ESU members have also include support services in an administrative capacity within the fire department such as assisting with web site updates or using other professional skills such as performing design work for a new kitchen and day room at Headquarters. Fire Corps volunteers may also assist in support services and in an administrative capacity after their initial training.

Fire Corps volunteers that choose to remain active will be offered periodic training and other opportunities to learn more about the department. They may assist in community events and other support services or move on to the ESU. There is also the possibility of assisting the department in disaster operations after additional training in the Tri-State Medical Reserve Corps (TMRC) or the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

As for the LSFD ESU, it is made up of a small and select group of qualified residents from in and around the City of Loveland and Symmes Township. LSFD provides training, equipment and uniforms at no expense to the successful candidate. Additionally LSFD provides:

• Workers Compensation Insurance 
• Federal Homeland Hero benefits 
• All training, equipment and uniforms 
• Retention Incentive Program 
• An opportunity to join the Firefighter's Association

ESU members attend conveniently scheduled regular bi-monthly ESU meetings and training session. The ESU also has the specific responsibility of maintaining the Mass Casualty Incident trailer and is responsible for deployment of the unit when called upon. ESU members also have opportunities for on-duty time, riding and working alongside of the on-duty personnel, and maintain a commitment to do so monthly to ensure they maintain response skills.

ESU and Fire Corps members serve with one of the FINEST fire and EMS departments in the Tri-State area, on the most state-of-the art equipment, and can respond to applicable emergencies along with LSFD career professional personnel after additional training. While members are required to maintain a commitment of time, these volunteers also provides a unique opportunity for our residents to learn and apply a wide range of emergency service skills while contributing DIRECTLY to the Loveland and Symmes Community. In the city of Loveland and in Symmes township the members matter and make a difference in assisting and supporting the on-duty career professionals. 

Chief Huber has emphasized that "our volunteer members do some serious and important work." Those who have joined have learned that they gain at least as much as they contribute. Whether it is attaining professional training, personal achievement, or helping citizens during the darkest hours, our volunteer members find that serving as a volunteer with LSFD is one of the most rewarding aspects of their lives! 

Click on the links below for more information :-

Citizens Fire Corps PowerPoint

Citizens Fire Corps Brochure

To apply for the LSFD Citizens Fire Academy and/or Fire Corps, click on: Interest Form

For additional information, please email jwolfert@safety-center.org or jhellyer@safety-center.org.

LOVELAND SYMMES FIRE DEPARTMENT CITIZENS FIRE ACADEMY / 
FIRE CORPS INTEREST FORM