Officials with Hillsborough Fire Rescue say the department's new reserve program is paying off big time, for the agency, and for the recruits. Jessica Damico is a public information officer for Fire Rescue.
"It gives them an opportunity to see how we work." Damico said. "So when they interview with us, they already have the lingo and the training, they're part of our family already, so when they come to get employed, it helps them in the long run. For us, it helps us with manpower. So instead of having three people on an engine, now we'll have four people on the engine. It helps us on all our fire and medical scenes."
The reserves work for free, but receive their training and uniforms for free. The training, Damico says, is invaluable. " The things and experiences they have while they're here you can't simulate in training, you can't simulate in a classroom. It's the stuff that you can't read in a book, we can do. Real life situations."
Hillsborough Fire Rescue used to staff a handful of its stations in the county with volunteer firefighters. The department ended the volunteer program last year. The reservists are now filling the void the volunteers left. In order to stay active, reserves have to work a minimum of 72 hours a quarter and perform a minimum of 24 hours of community service a year. Many reservists hope to one day land a full time job as a firefighter/emt.
If you're interested in applying for a reserve position, you can call Hillsborough Fire Rescue at 813-272-6600 or send the department an e-mail at reserveresponderprogram@hillsboroughcounty.org.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:37 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:37:54 GMT
St. Petersburg Police Officers have arrested three people for a home invasion and beating that left a 63-year-old woman in critical condition on Wednesday morning.
St. Petersburg Police Officers have arrested three people for a home invasion and beating that left a 63-year-old woman in critical condition on Wednesday morning.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:04 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:04:28 GMT
Approximately 40 animals were found in what appeared to be an abandoned home on Hiawatha Place in Holiday on Wednesday night according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
Approximately 40 animals were found in what appeared to be an abandoned home on Hiawatha Place in Holiday on Wednesday night according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:30:01 GMT
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:56 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:56:22 GMT
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
Friday, May 17 2013 7:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:36:31 GMT
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-17 09:00:46 GMT
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Friday, May 17 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:58:08 GMT
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
Leigh Spann joined WFLA in September, 2007. You can catch her forecasts every weekday morning starting at 4:30am. Since so many people ask, she says she wakes up at 2am and goes to bed at 7pm!
Leigh Spann joined WFLA in September, 2007. You can catch her forecasts every weekday morning starting at 4:30am. Since so many people ask, she says she wakes up at 2am and goes to bed at 7pm!
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:30:04 GMT
Laura Spaulding is used to crime scenes. Her company, Spaulding Decon, is often called in to clean up sites involving homicides, hoarding and other incidents. But this spring, she discovered signs
Laura Spaulding is used to crime scenes. Her company, Spaulding Decon, is often called in to clean up sites involving homicides, hoarding and other incidents.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:04 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:04:28 GMT
Approximately 40 animals were found in what appeared to be an abandoned home on Hiawatha Place in Holiday on Wednesday night according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
Approximately 40 animals were found in what appeared to be an abandoned home on Hiawatha Place in Holiday on Wednesday night according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
