Did you know that Fairhope’s 40-member Volunteer Fire Department protects an area of 42 square miles? And that according to the National Volunteer Fire Council, 73 percent of firefighters in the United States are volunteers?

You may not know that Fairhope’s department is among the top-rated in the nation, according to the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification program. The ISO evaluates more than 44,000 fire jurisdictions and classifies them from 1 down to 10. Fairhope’s rating is 4. According to the ISO, fewer than 6.9 percent of fire jurisdictions rates 4 or better. What does that mean for us? Our rating is used by insurance companies, and the result is lower premiums.

If that isn’t good enough, according to FVFD Chief John Saraceno, improvements are coming. The department has applied for three major grants for a new fire station, new radio system and new ladder truck. The new station will be our fourth and will serve the northern section of town. The new radio equipment and truck will increase the department’s emergency readiness. Better yet, the training budget has increased dramatically, and the department wants to expand to 75 members within a year. So, if you’ve ever considered joining, come get some training!

Members train in-house under the guidance of four nationally certified instructors. Members also travel the country to wherever important training is offered. Two often-used training centers are the Alabama Fire College and the National Fire Academy in Maryland. Everyone begins with courses required by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) such as Fire Suppression and First Responder skills, and can advance to receive training recommended by the Department of Homeland Security. A highly certified membership is the department’s goal.

Alas, even with training and equipment, the department is missing one resource, a fire department auxiliary unit. What is that? Well, it’s volunteers who support the department but don’t fight fires or provide rescues. A new auxiliary unit is being created called the Fairhope Fire Corps, and it is affiliated with the national Fire Corps. You can learn more about it at www.firecorps.org.

The Fire Corps wants to recruit as many people as possible. All skills are needed, including fundraising, maintenance, on-scene support, barbeques and so forth. Anything that supports the fire department is welcome. So, if you’re looking to volunteer in the community, this may be your chance. For information, call 370-3437.

A quality fire department is good for our community and insurance rates. Volunteers make this possible, either through an investment of time or money. (Here it comes) While the city does provide funding, a significant portion of the budget comes from donations. If you can’t invest your time, consider investing your dollars. I know your support will be appreciated.

On an unrelated subject, after receiving feedback on my last column from City Council members, I’d like to submit an update. I no longer contend that Terry Sanders was originally preselected for the position of Police Chief and that no assurances were made to him in that regard.

Chris Toney is a Fairhope resident and urges you to give your loved ones smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. You’ll never regret it.