Coraville Needs Volunteer Firefighters

Are you looking for a way to volunteer your time and make a difference in your community?

If you think you have what it takes to make it as a volunteer firefighter, your local department might be able to find a place for you. KCRG says volunteer fire departments everywhere, including here in Iowa are hungry for help.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that the number of volunteer firefighters nationwide dropped by nearly 200,000 from 2015 to 2017. Coralville, in particular, is a town locally who is taking steps to recruit more help.

They say they are looking for 20 more firefighters to add to their department of 5 full-time and 30 volunteer workers. They understand people becoming busy with life, kids and second jobs and no one can be blamed for being a little afraid of the danger. They say that between all those things, the days of people simply walking in eagerly to sign up are over, so they hold job fairs. The next one happens March 10 at the Coralville Fire Station.

The state gives volunteer firefighters a $100 tax credit for their service. The Coralville Fire Department also has incentives for longtime volunteers. They also say remind prospective volunteers and recruits that such service to the community can be very rewarding.

If you'd like to look more into an opportunity to join the Coralville Fire Department, click here.