Maple Grove Firefighters Complete Initial Fire Training, New Recruits Sought

The latest group apprentice firefighters in Maple Grove has completed their initial firefighting training – and the Maple Grove Fire Department is looking for interested individuals to join the next group of new firefighters.

Maple Grove Fire-Rescue recruits paid on-call firefighters annually, providing training to those that qualify, according to the city of Maple Grove website.  Training is provided in fire response and hazardous materials emergencies through a shared services effort with neighboring fire departments.

“This is a great way for people to contribute to their community. We hire new firefighters that may have no previous experience in firefighting. We provide initial firefighting and emergency medical training through in-house program,” Maple Grove Assistant Fire Chief Tim Bush said, “We bring together a talented group of instructors from our shared services group to lead training sessions.”

Recruits from Maple Grove attended training with new firefighters from nine departments in Anoka and Hennepin Counties. They attended either morning or evening classes, depending on their available time.

Through Aug. 2, Maple Grove is accepting applications for new apprentice firefighters. Openings include day and night responders, although the “biggest challenge” is finding daytime responders.

“The majority of our firefighters also work full-time. They have jobs and families, so we need to be able to provide training that fits into the schedules of their lives,” Maple Grove Fire Chief Scott Anderson said.

More information: www.MGFire.info