Many fire departments in Wisconsin are actively recruiting and looking for new members.

From large cities to smaller volunteer departments, there are opportunities, according to Washington County Chief Public Safety Officer Dave Seager.

"If you have any interest in helping your community and have an interest in firefighting or emergency medical services, please go to one of our thirteen departments in Washington County. We would be happy to have you." 

85 percent of rural fire departments in Wisconsin operate entirely with volunteers.

There is good news for the Jackson Fire Department who recently welcomed seven new members to their department, including a former member who rejoined. They were issued their pagers and will start responding to calls in a limited capacity while completing their initial training. Each new member must complete Fire School and obtain Firefighter l, Firefighter ll, and Hazmat certifications. They must also complete Emergency Medical Responder training.

The new members include Rock Schuett, Jonathan Lueck, Dillion Hunter, Alex Tewes,

Dan Swoboda, Damon Ybarra and Brendan Blackmore. Cody Stene, who is a former member of the Jackson Fire Department, has rejoined.