SOMERS-LAKESIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Rural, volunteer fire department serving the Montana communities of Somers, Lakeside, and Lower Valley
VOLUNTEER WITH SOMERS/LAKESIDE FD
Interested in fire-fighting? Want to serve your community?
We are always looking for new volunteers!
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Take a look below for answers to many common questions and concerns of prospective firefighters.
"WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE?"
Having experience is great, but definitely not required. We will provide you with the training needed.
"I WANT TO VOLUNTEER AS A FIRE-FIGHTER, BUT I DON'T LIVE IN THE SOMERS/LAKESIDE DISTRICT"
There are many volunteer fire-departments around the Flathead Valley, and almost all of them are in need of volunteers. Get more information on the other Flathead County Fire Departments here.
"I'M A FEMALE;Â CAN I VOLUNTEER TO BE AÂ FIRE-FIGHTER?"
Absolutely. Fire-"man" is a thing of the past. If you can pull hose, put on bunker-gear, be a team-mate, and get work done, we don't care who or how old you are. We do have a minimum age limit, 18, as fire-fighting is inherently dangerous. But outside of that, we just need anyone that we can count on.
"I WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT THE FIRE-DEPARTMENT IN SOME WAY OTHER THAN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER FIRE-FIGHTER"
There are many other ways to support the fire-department and the community!
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Interested in making a monetary contribution to SVFD? Donate Here
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We also hold a variety of community events and have a variety of other needs. Contact our Fire Chief to find other ways you can contribute.
"I'M NOT SURE THAT BEING A VOLUNTEER FIRE-FIGHTER IS FOR ME, BUT I WOULD STILL LIKE TO BE AN EMERGENCY RESPONDER"
Fire-fighting isn't for everyone. Our community also has a Quick Response Unit (QRU) which responds to medical emergencies and provides ambulance service. They also have a need for volunteers. Learn more about the Lakeside QRU here.
"SIGN ME UP!"
That's great! Find our application forms here: (Application, Confidentiality Agreement, Member Disclosure, Department Welcome)
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You can email us your application, or better yet, bring your filled-out application to the next Tuesday night training. Training is every Tuesday at 7pm, most often at our Somers station at 27 Lesley Avenue in Somers. We do occasionally have training in Lakeside, so feel free to call our Fire Chief to find out more.
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Don't have a printer? Want to meet us in person and see what we are about before committing? Just come by our next training! If you like it, we will give you the application afterwards.
"I'M IN DECENT SHAPE, BUT I'M NOT SURE I'M CAPABLE OF RUNNING INTO A BURNING BUILDING."
It may come as a surprise, but very little of what a firefighter does involves pulling people out of burning buildings. We absolutely need those ambitious, fit, well-trained personnel who are ready to jump in and save the day. However, we have many other needs as well. For example, managing traffic is one of our most tedious and monotonous tasks; however, it is one of the most CRITICAL and commonly needed tasks. A minor accident can quickly become a major incident without adequate traffic control. And the best part is, it is something almost anyone can learn how to do.
"I HAVE A FULL-TIME JOB, AND IÂ DON'T THINK I HAVE ENOUGH TIME."
We understand. Our volunteers have jobs, families, obligations, and lives outside the fire department. Sometimes our volunteer job has to take a backseat. If you aren't sure you have the time, you just need to ask yourself these questions:
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Can you commit one night a week for training? We train every Tuesday evening at 7pm.
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Can you commit to making yourself as available as possible to respond to calls? Sometimes we have to respond to calls in the middle of the night. Sometimes it means we are going to be tired the next day. But on the flip-side sometimes we have to take care of personal errands or take our families on vacation. The department expects you to make yourself available and respond to calls. We don't expect anyone to be available 100% of the time.