Volunteers Sought For New Milton Fire Corps

MILTON, GA — Milton firefighters are now benefitting from the contributions of the Milton Fire Corps – a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the city’s fire-rescue department and, in so doing, those they serve on a daily basis.

The Milton Fire Corps began backing the city’s firefighters in 2021, led by volunteer Stephen Cory and in close coordination with Milton Fire’s leadership. In recent weeks, they have stepped up their training and recruitment efforts. While Fire Corps members are not City of Milton employees, they provide extremely valuable services – not for a paycheck but because they want to make a difference.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to the Milton Fire Corps for sharing their time, expertise and services on behalf of our Department’s men and women,” Fire Chief Gabe Benmoussa said in a news release. “And by helping our firefighters, the Corps members are helping our city.”

The Milton group is affiliated with Fire Corps, a national organization dedicated firstly to supporting firefighters and other First Responders at emergency scenes – a function referred to as “rehab.” Rehab Specialists perform a variety of tasks. When it’s hot, they can help cool firefighters off (with water, wet towels, and the like). When it’s cold, they’ll warm them up. Fire Corps volunteers can also help to hydrate and feed firefighters, give them place to rests, and refill their air packs.

While responding to incidents involving Milton Fire, Fire Corps’ Rehab Specialists on-scene also support firefighters from neighboring departments as well as Milton Police officer. Before doing any of this, Fire Corps members will receive training on how to safely, efficiently and effectively fulfill their roles.

Members of the Milton Fire Corps will contribute in other ways beyond serving as Rehab Specialists, helping lift the burden on first responders while making an impact in the broader community. This can include supporting law enforcement partners, helping with special events, providing first aid, assisting with vaccine or other health clinics, participating in Community Emergency Response Training (CERT), and more.

No prior experience is necessary, with Corps members coming from all walks of life. All you need is a desire to make a positive impact in the Milton community.

Those interested in joining the Milton Fire Corps, or seeking answer related to it, can email the city’s fire-rescue department at fdinfo@cityofmiltonga.us or Stephen.Cory@cityofmiltonga.us. People are also welcome to attend a Fire Corps meeting or drop by one of the department’s fire stations to get more information.

Milton Fire Corps are part of a larger effort to build a safe and resilient community, a key objective of Milton’s Fire-Rescue Five Year Strategic Plan. Fire Corps is one of several community engagement programs designed to keep Milton’s residents safe, healthy and engaged in their community.

“The Fire Corps is a great way for people like me and our other members to give back to our community, and to serve the men and women who protect us,” Cory said. “I really believe that others will get as much purpose, meaning and satisfaction as I do by joining the Fire Corps or by simply participating in any of our community engagement initiatives."