LONDON KY—The London Fire Department is currently accepting applications from citizens who wish to become London Volunteer Firefighters. The Department is celebrating 100 years of serving the community and is looking for dedicated citizens who would like to become part of the life-saving legacy.
Interested individuals may apply online at www.londonkyfire.com/join. The Department is seeking dependable individuals who are 18-years-old or older, a U.S. citizen, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and possess a valid Kentucky Driver’s License. Once an applicant is accepted, all guidelines and training opportunities will be provided.
“I joined LFD shortly after the East Bernstadt tornado of 2012. I volunteered to help people and serve my community,” said London Fire Captain Scottie Weaver.
Weaver began volunteering as a junior firefighter at sixteen-years-old. He said the fire service became his life and wouldn’t trade it for any other job. Weaver was hired in 2015 and became Captain in 2019.
London’s Deputy Fire Chief Wilson Rawlings is a great example of the ongoing legacy of the Department, he has been serving the City of London for 66 years. He says he chose to be a London Firefighter because he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. His father, A.W. “Gus” Rawlings served as London Fire Chief from 1945 to 1950. Today, Rawlings provides guidance and invaluable insight to the Department and firefighters.
Many who have joined as volunteers, found camaraderie, served an honorable purpose, and gained practical knowledge as well as skills they have applied outside of firefighting. Many employed firefighters at the Department initially began serving as volunteers.
The London Fire Department is a “combination” department of career staff and volunteers. There are currently 49 members, six trucks in the fleet, and an Honor Guard. The Department answers approximately 1,246 calls of service annually and is actively involved in community engagement.
For more information about the London Fire Department, visit londonkyfire.com or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/londonfiredept. For further questions about services the Department offers, call (606) 864-2922.