The Loveland-Symmes Fire Department Volunteer Emergency Service Unit (ESU)
Established in 2005, the "LSFD Volunteer Emergency Services Unit" (ESU) provides supplemental operational and administrative assistance specifically in the area of fire, disaster and related emergency services.
Based upon the Federal "Community Emergency Response Team"(C.E.R.T.) and "Federal Fire Corps" concept-LSFD took the program a step further. According to LSFD Chief Ott Huber, the ESU members may choose to be assigned to a mutually agreed upon duty crew at a firehouse and participate directly in emergency response activities along with the on duty regular firefighters. ESU members are also subject to "call out" to assist at specific situations as needed. ESU member duties have included assisting at fire and emergency calls, performing traffic control at events and incidents, disaster support services such as flood and wind storm response, community events such as Loveland’s Amazing Race, and other long term situations. Additional duties for some ESU members have also include support services in an administrative capacity within the fire department such as assisting with web site updates or using other professional skills such as performing design work for a new kitchen and day room at Headquarters.
ESU members attend conveniently scheduled regular bi-monthly ESU meetings and training session. The ESU also has the specific responsibility of maintaining the Mass Casualty Incident trailer and is responsible for deployment of the unit when called upon. ESU members also have opportunities for on-duty time, riding and working alongside of the on-duty personnel, and maintain a commitment to do so monthly to ensure they maintain response skills.
ESU members serve with one of the FINEST fire and EMS departments in the Tri-State area, on the most state-of-the art equipment, and respond to applicable emergencies along with LSFD career professional personnel. While ESU members are required to maintain a commitment of time, the ESU also provides a unique opportunity for our residents to learn and apply a wide range of emergency service skills while contributing DIRECTLY to the Loveland and Symmes Community. In the city of Loveland and in Symmes township the ESU members matter and make a difference in assisting and supporting the on-duty career professionals.
The ESU is made up of a small and select group of qualified residents from in and around the City of Loveland and Symmes Township. LSFD provides training, equipment and uniforms at no expense to the successful candidate. Additionally LSFD provides:
Workers Compensation Insurance
Federal Homeland Hero benefits
All training, equipment and uniforms
A Retention Incentive Program
An opportunity to join the Firefighter's Association
Chief Huber has emphasized that "our ESU members do some serious and important work." Those who have joined the ESU have learned that they gain at least as much as they contribute. Whether it is attaining professional training, personal achievement, or helping citizens during the darkest hours, our Volunteer Emergency Services Unit members find that serving as a volunteer with LSFD is one of the most rewarding aspects of their lives!
