White Lake Township Welcomes New On-Call Firefighters

The following is a release from the White Lake Township Fire Department.

Seven new White Lake Township paid on-call firefighters were sworn in at the Oct. 18 Board meeting by Township Clerk Terry Lilley.

These personnel will replace positions that have been vacated over the past few years. The department is a blended department with 17 fulltime and 27 paid-on-call personnel.

Fire Chief Tony Maltese said, "We do not accept just any applicant. These probationary personnel are all White Lake residents that have gone through an extensive screening process including a physical ability test, comprehensive written test, oral exam/interview, background investigation, physical exam and drug testing. We are proud to have them join us and appreciate their commitment to the community.”

Some may recognize the senior member of the group, who happens to be the White Lake Township Library Director, Lawrence Ostrowski. Larry said it is a new experience for him and he has a lot to learn about this new challenge.

A few of the new personnel have already completed their basic training prior to their applications. However, most must successfully complete an intensive Emergency Medical Technician’s National Registry program and a State of Michigan Firefighter I and II certification program. It will take almost a year of attending night time training classes a few times a week to complete this commitment.

They will serve a two years probationary period while gaining experience to eventually become veteran members of the department.