Hello Mattole Valley,
As you contemplate your resolutions for the New Year please take the time to consider volunteering with your local Fire Department. Volunteers are our most precious resource, without them much fewer of the emergencies in the valley would have positive outcomes as those in need would have to wait for help to come from over an hour away in the winter when the CalFire station is unmanned. Even when CalFire is close at hand a locals knowledge of the area is priceless in the amount of time and energy it saves locating the address of the emergency.
Our Fire Departments are willing to contribute many hours and resources to make sure each Firefighter has the most up to date training. The experience gained with on hand training or in field calls would be very valuable for any career path you may be pursuing. California is willing to spend millions of dollars to make our State more fire safe. Many jobs are opening up in the fire science field. Volunteering is a great way to learn the necessary skills to give you a leg up in a variety of fields.
Happy New Year,
Shannon
PVFD Dispatch