by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
The City of Sartell hopes to get applications for the two current openings for Sartell-LeSauk firefighter positions — openings that became available due to retirements. The application deadline is Tuesday, May 15.
A third opening is expected to occur this October when yet another firefighter, Bob Heins, will retire after 32 years of service.
Applications are available at Sartell City Hall, the Sartell-LeSauk Fire Department or online at: wwwl.sartellmn.com. On the city’s website, click on the tab that says “I Want To . . .”
Founded in 1920, the Sartell-LeSauk Fire Department now has 32 firefighters and 12 firefighting rigs. The department is staffed by volunteers who get paid per call and receive some compensatory payments for training time and schooling.
They also earn a pension based on their cumulative years of service as firefighters. To qualify as a Sartell firefighter, a person must be at least 18 years old and live within eight miles of the Sartell Fire Department. Firefighters need not be a Sartell resident. As long as they can reach the fire department within that eight-minute response time, their applications will be considered.
During their first two years, Sartell firefighters commit to about 10-12 hours per month, which includes firefighting course work, first-responder training, hazardous-materials-handling training and various kinds of in-house training. On average, a firefighter answers about five to six calls per month.
The monthly meeting, from 6-10 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month, is mandatory.
The Sartell Fire Department duties include fire suppression, severe-weather responses, assists at accident scenes, water and ice rescues, disaster response and fire-prevention efforts with the public. They also are on hand for the popular Fire Department Open House each autumn.
Anyone interested in applying can also set up a time to join firefighters when they go through an actual training exercise. A good introduction video about the work of the Sartell Fire Department, including interviews with some of its members can be seen on the Sartell web side: www.sartellmn.com
For more information, call the fire department at (320) 258-7371.