CB Davis
IVN contributing writer
“It’s a rigorous process that requires hard work and dedication, but it is also a tremendous achievement for those who complete it,” IVFD Chief John Holmes
IVFD depends on volunteers and these are its newest members. The March 5, 2025 edition of the Illinois Valley News featured a photo of the four newest Illinois Valley Fire District members: Levi Shellenberg, William Harrison, Olivia Tuuri and Josiah Gavlik. The four completed the 2025 Rita Volunteer Firefighter One Academy training course.
Recruiting volunteers for fire districts is becoming increasingly difficult, as there is a substantial commitment required. They undergo extensive training including learning skills such as hydrant catching, hose deployments, ladder carries, ropes and knots, SCBA drills and turnout drills. (SCBA means self-contained breathing apparatus, similar to SCUBA which can be learned at the Grants Pass YMCA. SCBA is used to access smoking dwellings.) They also learn CPR and basic lifesaving skills. Then, they’re tested at the end of the academy.
The classes are held at the different fire districts including: Applegate, Fire District 3, Evans Valley and IVFD. They ride with their home agencies. They wear black helmets with the IVFD to signify that they are in training.
“The Illinois Valley Fire District has a strong tradition of service with many of its members coming from families that have been serving for generations. All new recruits known as rookies begin as probationary volunteer firefighters. They work under the mentorship of experienced command staff, lieutenants and senior firefighters. During their first year, these recruits undergo extensive training, learning the practical skills needed to be effective team members and how the fire department operates. It’s a rigorous process that requires hard work and dedication, but it is also a tremendous achievement for those who complete it,” explained IVFD Chief John Holmes.
If any of the Valley youth want to take the course, they can begin by signing up with the youth program at the IVFD, which is known as the Explorer Post for students aged 10 and up. If you would like more information you can visit https://ivfire.com, call 541-592-2225 or email customerservice@ivfire.com.