Applications available for spot on Morris Fire Department

MORRIS --The Morris Fire Department is looking to hire three to five new firefighters to help maintain a roster of about 30 active volunteers.

After losing four members due to retirement or moving out of the area, the MFD will be down to 26 people this spring, said Morris Fire Chief Dave Dybdal.

“The more people we can have, the more flexibility we can have,” said Dybdal. “You have to have the help to do the job.”

Residents interested in interviewing for a position with the MFD can pick up an application at Morris City Hall. Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 8.

“You need to have a love for the job, the unshakable passion of being a firefighter,” said Dybdal. “It's a lot of fun, but there is a lot of time involved.”

Interested applicants will need to complete a physical, physical agility test, medical exam and a drug test. Firefighters have one year of probation during which they need to attend 135 hours of Firefighter I training and complete a Firefighter Certification Test.

In 2012, the MFD responded to 62 fire calls, but Dybdal estimates they will see even more work this year because the department is being asked to assist with more incidents in the community.

The MFD will also be opening the application period again this fall.