On Saturday, Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR) will host a public information session for people interested in volunteering with the department.

Ross Copland, the department’s recruitment and retention coordinator, will provide information on all the roles for which VIFR is seeking volunteers, including emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters and firefighter support personnel, who operate the fire department’s water tenders and respond to fires and car accidents.

The session will cover the steps in the application process, requirements and the intake timeline;  Jan. 15 is the tentative deadline for the next round of applicants. Copland is encouraging all those who might be interested to attend — and pursue volunteering.

“I would like as many people as possible to apply and create a really good pool of applicants for us to choose from,” he said.

All people are welcome at the session, Copland said, whether or not they are thinking of volunteering.

“It’s a great way to learn about the department and … will give insight into Vashon Island Fire & Rescue and who makes up the department.”

In recent months, VIFR has stepped up its volunteer recruitment efforts in several ways, including working with EMT programs at area community colleges; joining the National Volunteer Fire Council, which helps fire departments recruit volunteers, and increasing its advertising in targeted outlets.

Saturday’s meeting will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the department’s training center on Bank Road. If planning to attend or for more information, contact Copland at                                   rcopland@vifr.org or 707-4589. More information is also online at vifr.org.