The City of Lebanon Fire Department has been providing dedicated fire service for a long and honored period.  Many of the Companies comprising the Department have been in existence for over two hundred years.  Today’s Department is one of the most modern and progressive firefighting force in the State. The City of Lebanon is proud of its fire protection history and the many individuals that have helped to keep the community safe from fires and other emergencies. This is the goal of the Department as stated in the Mission Statement, “The primary mission of the Department is to provide a range of programs designed to protect the lives and property of all who live, visit, work, or invest in the City of Lebanon from the adverse effects of fires, sudden emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created by either man or nature.”

Members

Presently the Department consists of a Fire Commissioner, Volunteer Fire Chief, Volunteer Deputy Fire Chief, Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief, 21 Career Firefighters, approximately 40 Volunteer Firefighters and a Fire Police unit.  The Department maintains 5 engines, 1 aerial ladder, 1 ladder tower, 1 squad, 1 heavy rescue, and a service unit in four stations.

Services

The Department provides emergency response to all types of situations ranging from hazardous materials incidents, vehicle accidents, various types of rescues, and all manner of fires from structures to leaves.  The Department also provides community services such as fire prevention training programs, fire station tours and fire drills at various schools, businesses and community functions.

Career Firefighters

The career firefighters of the Department not only conduct the fire prevention inspections but also are involved in all aspects of fire prevention and suppression for the citizens of the City.  The career staff conducts many tours of the fire stations and present fire safety programs to the many school children and adults within the City.  The career firefighters also are responsible for operating and maintaining the fire apparatus and stations of the Department to include washing and repairing fire hose, repairing air packs, cleaning apparatus and cleaning the stations.  The career firefighters not only operate the fire fighting apparatus but usually are the first in to a fire or at the scene of an emergency.  The 21 career firefighters are trained in all techniques of fire suppression, hazardous materials and emergency medical service.

Volunteer Firefighters

While the career firefighters handle the day-to-day operations of the Department, the volunteer firefighters provide one of the most important services to the Department.  The volunteer fire companies provide the fire apparatus that respond to all calls.  Over the many years of operation, the volunteer fire companies have provided numerous pieces of firefighting apparatus from the first hand drawn units to the aerial device.  Of the present firefighting apparatus all but two are wholly owned by the volunteer companies and one is co-owned between the City and a volunteer company.

Not only have the volunteer fire companies provided apparatus, but also other equipment purchased through the Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association such as the breathing air compressor, breathing air systems on apparatus, protective firefighting gear for the volunteer firefighters and much other needed equipment.

Of course, the main reason for the volunteers is their dedication in providing firefighting protection for the City.  The City of Lebanon has a highly dedicated force of volunteers that are well trained and experienced in fire suppression, hazardous materials, vehicle rescue, high angle rescue, emergency medical service and even fire prevention.   Without this dedicated core of volunteers, the City would need to hire more career personnel or rely more heavily on County fire companies.

Become a Volunteer

While the Department has an excellent core of volunteer and career firefighters, there is always the need for more volunteer firefighters or volunteers just to help in all aspects of the company needs including fundraising and fire prevention activities.  For anyone interested in becoming a member of one of the nine volunteer fire companies, go to the nearest fire station or contact a Fire Chief, Captain or any member of a company.  Those interested in firefighting are considered probationary for one year and must complete a course in the “Essentials of Firefighting and Hazardous Materials Operations” during the first year. Firefighting protective gear and equipment usually is provided to new members.

For more information on becoming a volunteer firefighter, contact our Lebanon City Fire Chief.