Volunteer

Join The Cadet Program

This is a special training program for boys and girls aged 15-17 which is tailored to teach teamwork and responsibility to oneself, other department personnel and the community at large. Cadets are introduced to fire fighting and rescue techniques using fire department equipment as well as safe driving classes. The program is directed by Fire Department officers and prepares the youngsters for a future as a department firefighter and emergency medical technician. For information on membership, call (440) 338-6161 and talk to Chief Frazier.

Training to Serve

The 48 members of the Russell Fire-Rescue Department include one full-time employee. The rest are volunteers, when functioning as firefighters, and on a part-time basis for some medical services. All firefighters must receive 120 hours of training to become certified under Ohio law. Additional medical training is optional; to become certified as an emergency medical technician requires an additional 120 hours of training, while paramedics must receive 960 hours of training. Many of our members have gone on to receive specialized training and to volunteer as members of county teams, including the Geauga County Dive-Rescue Team, the Geauga County Fire Investigation Unit and the Lake-Geauga Critical Incident Stress Management Team.

Firefighters must be 18 or older. For teens who wish to begin their training earlier, Russell has a cadet program for boys and girls 15 to 17 (with parent's permission) or as young as 14 if a parent is serving with the department. There are currently eight young people in our cadet program. During emergency response, cadets provide valuable support for fire-rescue personnel in the field.

This Could Be Your Year

Have you ever thought about serving your community as a fire-rescue volunteer? No experience is necessary. If you'll provide the time, we'll provide the training. Stop by any weekday or on Tuesday nights at 7, and members of the department will provide more information on volunteer opportunities. Think about this: if your neighbor's house was burning down, wouldn't you want to be able to do more than watch?