Nine new recruits with Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR) began training with the department earlier this month and will be able to assist with calls early next year.

“They hold high promise for the department,” said Assistant Chief George Brown, noting the group’s energy and effort so far.

The new members include five emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and four support members, who will drive and operate the department’s water tenders during fires as well as respond to car accidents. Members are completing their respective training programs and are expected to begin responding to calls in January.

Ross Copland, VIFR’s recruitment and retention coordinator, noted that the department requires EMTs to undergo its own threemonth program beyond training they have received elsewhere.

“We want to make sure they are up to Vashon caliber, which is pretty high,” he said.

VIFR volunteers are essential to the department’s ability to respond to calls, which are predominantly medical in nature and frequently come in clusters, requiring several responders at the same time.

The department also bolstered its response capabilities earlier this fall, when several current volunteers joined VIFR’s volunteer resident program. Residents work more than twice the minimum number of shifts other volunteers are required to do, Brown said, and thus respond to more calls. Brown credited Copland with making that change happen.

Regarding this group of new volunteers, Copland said he is pleased with their wide range of ages and noted the department values diversity.

“We continue to look for volunteers from all walks of life,” he added.

Additionally, the department is in the process of adding volunteer administrative positions, he said.

The application window for 2016 volunteers is open now; see vifr.org for more information.