McKINLEY COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS

RECRUITMENT PAGE

OUR NEEDS AND BACKGROUND:
McKINLEY COUNTY FIRE SERVICE is comprised of 21 Fire Districts.  The current total running count of volunteers is 320 volunteers, dispersed within the 20 districts. Doing the math you will find that there is just slightly over 16 members (16.55 actually, not that we divide anyone) per district. Now some districts have an adequate number of members while many are starving.

SPECIAL AREAS:
Members are needed in Thoreau, Whitecliffs, Tse ya toh, Navajo Estates, Whispering Cedars, especially Thoreau as Thoreau provides the ambulance service for the whole east end of
McKinley County.  Personnel that either hold licensure or are interested in becoming EMT-Basics's and EMT-Intermediate’s are strongly encouraged to join the local districts as EMS personal is what is needed the most within McKinley County. 

WHAT WE PROVIDE TO YOU:
After a probation period, all pertinent training is paid for, and advanced training is very strongly encouraged.  Your course fees, books and all other training fees are paid for in full.  Mileage is also reimbursed to you at the rate of $0.32 cents a mile.  Per Diem is also paid at the state approved and out-of-State travel is provided as necessary.  All operational equipment is provided to you without cost to include Fire Turnout Gear, communication equipment and other equipment as deemed necessary.  You will also be offered immunization for Hepatitis B and other illnesses as required under OSHA guidelines.

 You will also be eligible for advancement within your respective departments through recognition and promotions as you advance in knowledge and skill.  You will receive $5.00 per call up to $500 per year and you will also be eligible to receive a retirement after 10 years of service and a larger retirement after 20 years.  You are also covered under the Volunteer Firefighter Insurance Service (VFIS), the State of N.M. and the U.S. Justice Department for any losses of personnel items, limb or life incurred in the line of duty.

WHAT YOU GIVE:
You will be expected to give a nominal amount of your time to the department during your volunteer service, although you might find that you may give much more because of your dedication and pride. You will be expected to participate in "mandatory" functions as you can; good "excuses" are usually accepted.  More then anything else, you will be helping your family, friends and community and believe me I know this well; I have taken care of my own family before on an ambulance. Remember this, if no one volunteers; no one is helped, including you, your family and friends.

  REQUIREMENTS:
Any breathing individual is eligible to become a volunteer.  Not only do we need people to fight fire and perform rescue/EMS but clerical and office work, etc.  Anyone and Everyone are eligible.

McKinley County Volunteer Fire Department is an Equal Opportunity Organization; recruitment is not based upon ethnic, race, color, creed, education, gender, religion or physical ability. Everyone is encouraged to join.

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES:  Thoreau Ambulance also provides an additional compensation program developed for the contract volunteers that provide ambulance service at the rate of $70 for 11-13 hours and $140 for a 24 hour shift for EMT Basics;  $80 per 11-13 hour shift for Intermediates and $160 for a 24 hour shift.  A NEW ADDITION Contract Paramedics are contracted at $100 per 11-13 hour shifts and $200 per 24-28 hour shifts.  This program supplements the Career program at Thoreau Ambulance and the Thoreau Fire District.  Those persons with a fire background and have PPE for firefighting are expected to participate in actual and training firefighting activities.
            To
contract for this program you must be an licensed EMT AT THE LEVEL YOUR CONTRACTING AT;  possess a class-D or better drivers license, have a clean driving record, have defensive driving/Emergency Vehicle Operators Course and pass a background check.  The EVOC requirement will be provided if necessary.  Contact Winona Cometsevah at Thoreau
EMS for further information at 505-862-7482.  Paramedics must also contact the EMS Commander through the supervisor prior, to receive medical direction permission.
            All Insurance is covered by McKinley County while you are on official McKinley County Duty.

 

YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

BECOME A MCKINLEY COUNTY FIREFIGHTER 
AND 
EMS TECHNICIAN

CALL YOUR LOCAL DISTRICT OR:

Hilda Bowman, Director
at
505-863-3839
 
RETURN TO THE FIRE PAGE

Written by Ken Hoffman