Reserve Program

The Oskaloosa Reserve Fire Department was organized in 1996, with the first reserve firefighter being hired on November 8, 1996. At any given time there are approximately 20 reserve firefighters. The department will always accept applications from interested individuals.

The purpose of the Reserve Fire Department is to assist with general firefighting activities, such as combating and extinguishing fires; to protect and safeguard lives and property; respond to emergency calls and alarms; drive and operate firefighting apparatus; and perform other duties as required.

For the past several years reserve members have been exposed to the same wide variety of situations that fulltime firefighters are exposed to. They include automobile accidents, standby at the Southern Iowa Speedway, standby at Oskaloosa High School Football and William Penn University Football games, suicides and murder/suicides, cardiac arrests and many other types of emergencies. Reserve firefighters may be called into the fire station during storm warnings.

Some firefighting activities the reserve members have participated in are hooking hydrants, hooking sprinkler systems, operating hand lines and nozzles, operation of the fire pumps, getting equipment as needed on the fire ground, cleanup work and getting equipment back online after a call, wearing self-contained breathing apparatus, victim recovery, drafting operations, salvage and overhaul operations.

Reserve firefighters also work in the fire department booth at the Southern Iowa Fair, assist with the smoke trailer from Blank Children's Hospital, attend extrication classes, test fire hose, work a 12-24 hour shift, give tours to grade school children, learn fire department procedures, write reports, assist with public fire education classes, and learn to work as a team.

Requirements for a reserve member area as follows: Firefighter 1, EMT defibrillation, CPR, and obtain a 1A Class D Chauffeur's license. All reserve members must possess a thorough knowledge of city streets and addresses, knowledge of city codes relating to fire and life safety, and skills in use and operation of all tools, equipment and apparatus operated by and for the Fire Department. Reserve members need to have the ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with fellow firefighters and supervisors in a close living and working environment.

If you are interested in joining the Oskaloosa Reserve Firefighting Team, print out an application online from the Fire Department Home Page, fill it out, and take it directly to the Oskaloosa Fire Department.