News photo by Josh Jambor Alpena Township Fire Department vehicles stand ready at a scene in the township in March. The department is currently recruiting full-time Firefighter/EMTs and hosting a hiring fair on June 24 to expand its paid-on-call roster.

ALPENA – The Alpena Township Fire Department is currently fully staffed on the full-time side but is actively recruiting to fill an upcoming retirement and expand its paid-on-call ranks, with a hiring fair planned for later this month.

Chief Tim Baker spoke about his hopes for the hiring fair.

“The hiring fair is to gauge the interest in the area to determine if we can increase the paid-on-call roster, as we need to continue to have that type of staffing to supplement the full-time staff,” Baker said.

The hiring fair is scheduled for June 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Northside Fire Station at 4385 US-23 North. It targets individuals interested in paid-on-call or part-time firefighter positions. No prior training or experience is required and the department will provide all necessary training.

Baker noted the department currently has nine paid-on-call members, with a capacity to increase the roster to 20.

Paid on call employees respond to local emergencies and are paid for each one they respond to.

“Looking for part-time members is also to gauge an interest, as approximately 80% of the call volume is between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., we are looking at ways to supplement the full-time staff with having additional staff on duty so that there are two staffed positions at each station,” Baker added. “This is not approved yet, but something that is being considered.”

On the full-time side, Baker confirmed the department is fully staffed for now, but one previous hire from January, Dillan Romstadt, has since taken a position with another fire department. Another employee is also set to retire in July.

“At the next board meeting, I will be requesting the approval to hire one of the firefighters we have been waiting to complete their EMT licensure,” Baker said. “The recruitment for full-time is to hire the replacement for the member retiring in July and potentially creating a list for hiring in the future.”

According to the flier, Full-time Firefighter/EMS positions offer a 24 to 48 shift schedule, non-transport EMS response, and approximately 1,500 calls per year. Benefits include 100% family health care coverage, term life insurance, short and long-term disability, and a 95% employer pension contribution. Minimum requirements include EMT and Firefighter I & II certifications, a valid drivers license, and passing physical and medical standards. The positions are represented by IAFF Local 1859.

In May, the department responded to 123 total calls, 99 of which were EMS-related. Incidents included a structure fire, car fire, car accidents, mutual aid to local departments, and a MABAS deployment for fire in Mio.

Residents interested in joining the department are encouraged to attend the June 24 Hiring Fair or contact Chief Baker directly.

Applications for full-time positions are also being accepted now and can be submitted online at www.alpenatownship.com, emailed to chief@alpenatownship.com, or by calling 989-356-0297 ext. 9. Applications will also be accepted at the hiring fair.