’Serious Need' For Western Springs Firefighters

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – The Western Springs Fire Department operates on a model of more than 30 paid-on-call firefighters. It is in “serious need” of filling its ranks, the village said Monday.

For these positions, the village hires and trains residents to be part-time firefighters while they hold other jobs, according to a village news release. All training and equipment expenses are covered by the village.

The department now has 28 paid-on-call members and two full-time department staff. It aims to hire 10 to 15 more firefighters, spokeswoman Selmin Cicek said in an email to Patch.

The village is recruiting for its January fire academy. To get accepted, candidates must successfully complete an oral interview, a background check and a physical, the news release said. No fire or emergency medical service experience is required. Candidates must be at least 18.

The fire department was founded in 1894 and originally staffed by 10 volunteer firefighters.

More information on the opportunities is available on the village’s website.