The Meridian Fire Department recently added firefighters, but before they become certified a certain amount of training is required.

The 11 new firefighters have been in a two-week orientation at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Training Facility learning the fundamentals of firefighting, according to Daniel Mabry, training chief with the Meridian Fire Department.

“We start with Incident Command System (ICS) training, which provides a framework from which all agencies can work together,” Mabry said. “The challenge is to get various agencies to work together in the most efficient and effective manner, for instance, if we had to work with an outside agency, we would all follow the same command system. They will also get familiar with the truck, how to catch a hydrant, and how to use small tools and equipment, so when they go on shift if won’t be such a culture shock.”

Meridian Fire Chief Jason Collier said once on a shift, the firefighters will train on support activities.

“They won’t be directly involved with a fire, but will observe what goes on,” Collier said. “They have to be state-certified with at least 500 hours of training before they can actually go in and fight a house fire.”

Collier said the new personnel will help keep the department on an even keel.

“Some of our firefighters have been working overtime,” Collier said. “As good as the money is, it is taxing on the firefighter, and their family for them to be working so much.”

Firefighters make $26,200 a year, or $9 an hour to start, Collier said.

“Our pay is just like every other city employee, but our shift work totals 2,912 hours, whereas a 40-hour week city employee works 2,080 hours. Because of that our firefighters actually make more than a regular city employee, but at the same hourly rate.”

“I have been at his job for 20 years and I still have to do school training,” Collier said. “You have to keep your skills fresh, always learning new things.”

When it comes to being a firefighter, Mabry said there is a difference between making it a career versus just doing a job.

“These new guys are really dedicated to the fire department, which makes a difference,” Mabry said. “You have to get people in this job looking for a career, not just a job. The pay’s not the best, but it is steady, and the longer you stay, and the more classes you take, you will move up. But, you don’t start at the top — you have to work your way through. You have got to be dedicated, willing to train, and willing to sacrifice. If you don’t have your heart in it, it’s not the job for you.”