We provide a wide range of services to the community which include fire suppression, emergency medical services, inspection / building department functions, community education, and public information. Our staffing consists of 15 career and 22 part-time members. Our members are trained to the highest possible levels with Office of the State Fire Marshal certifications, Paramedic & EMT Basic licensure, and aggressive pursuit of higher education. We operate out of two fire stations with a state of the art, apparatus fleet of 2 ALS ambulances, 1 reserve ambulance, 3 pumpers, 1 aerial ladder, and numerous support vehicles. We are a service oriented organization and adhere to our Mission of "providing excellent service to those we serve and protect".
Our Part-Time Program is made up of both traditional Paid On Call members and part-time personnel. All non career Department members are considered "part-time " personnel. At the minimum level and based upon qualifications, part-time members are required to participate in the shift coverage program. The various coverage shifts are structured as follows: Monday through Friday - 1600 to 2100 & 2100 to 0600; Saturday and Sunday – 0800 to 1600, 1600 to 2100, & 2100 to 0600 ( 2100 – 0800 on the Saturday Shift); Various daily coverage shifts based upon need. Members participating in the shift coverage program must possess the following minimum certifications: Firefighter II , Driver/Operator, & Non Probationary Status. The base hourly pay rate for Firefighter certification level is $8.50. The hourly pay schedule increases with rank/certifications (i.e. Firefighter/EMT Basic - $10.85, Firefighter/Paramedic - $13.25).
In addition to the shift coverage program, part-time personnel may choose to participate in the call back program. Participating members are provided a Department voice pager and would be required, when available, to respond to their assigned station upon " All Call " pages. Call back coverage is paid by the hour and the rate is dependent upon rank/certifications. All paychecks for part-time personnel are issued on the last payday of the month. part-time members will also be eligible for participation in extra curricular events such as special assignments and public education details.
Entry level personnel with no fire fighting or emergency medical experience will receive various levels of training in preparation for State certifications and license. The pay rate for this entry level status is $5.25. All new members will be placed on probationary status for time periods that are based upon certifications and licenses. The base time frames are listed as follows: Entry level member with no experience - 1 year; Certified Fire Fighter II – 3 months; Certified Firefighter II with EMT B or Paramedic – 3 months. All personnel will be provided with protective clothing at the time of hiring. Special order protective clothing will not be provided until the member has successfully completed the designated probationary period.
Potential part-time members will be required to complete the following hiring process which could involve all or portions of the following steps: Step #1 Complete and submit a written application packet. Step #2 Successful completion of a background check by the Hazel Crest Police Department. Step #3 Successful completion of physical ability and written exams. Step #4 Successful completion of an oral interview. Step #5 Conditional offer of employment and successful completion of a medical exam.
The benefits of part-time membership include the ability to earn extra money while providing a valuable and exciting service to the community, training opportunities and job experience, and opportunities for camaraderie and social activities. Part-time membership requires dedication, family support, and a desire to work hard. If you can meet these commitments, then you will reap the benefits of membership and we look forward to making you a part of our team!!