Aaron Strom, Interim Fire Chief, reported five new paid-on-call members were added to the Somers Fire Department, bringing the total to 58 for the Department.
Paid-on-call members are required to work six, ten-hour shifts a month.
Members who live within the immediate Somers area work their scheduled “on call” time at their home; however, if the member lives outside the Somers area, they are required to serve their shift at the fire station. Training for paid-on-call members includes an 18-week new recruit academy featuring both fire and emergency medical services. The regular full-time staff maintains a 24/7 schedule. In addition to providing emergency services, the full-time staff is also responsible for various areas of operations within the Department such as inspections, training, supplies, reports, quality assurance, and maintenance.
Three members from Explorer Program
Of the five new paid-on-call members, several are Somers residents, and three of the five came from the Fire & Emergency Explorer Program, coordinated by the Kenosha area Boy Scouts. The Explorer Program is open to young men and women who have an interest in learning more about careers in the field of fire and rescue services. Individuals in the program get to experience firsthand what it is like to be a volunteer or full-time fire fighter and emergency service provider through firefighting training and “ride alongs” during actual calls.
Anyone interested in serving the Somers community and becoming a paid-on-call member of the Somers Fire & Rescue Department may contact Aaron Strom, Interim Fire Chief at 262-859-2277.