The Tulalip Bay Fire Departments full-time force just doubled in size.
The department has named resident/part-paid firefighter Brandon Dickerson, 26, as its second full-time firefighter/EMT.
Dickerson began full-time work Nov. 1.
Its kind of something Ive just always wanted to do, Dickerson said of his motivation to become a firefighter.
Dickerson began as a volunteer with the department in 2001, according to Deputy Chief Steve Jahn. Jahn added Dickerson helped staff the Tulalip station house during the day, when many members of the largely volunteer force work their regular jobs.
Last year, Dickerson completed the eight-week Washington State Fire Academy in North Bend, eventually earning state certification as a Firefighter 1.
Its kind of like boot camp for firefighters, Dickerson said of the training. How tough was it?
I guess it was tough if you didnt want to be there, Dickerson said.
Jahn said the new appointment provides for two full-time firefighters during the weekdays. The full-time staff is supplemented by approximately 20 part-paid and volunteer firefighters, which Jahn said can provide a response crew 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dickersons new position was funded in part by a grant from the Tulalip Tribes as well as regular tax collections contributed by district residents.
According to Dickerson, the Tulalip Fire District covers 22 square miles on the Tulalip reservation.