The West Burlington Fire Department is the first volunteer fire department in the nation, possibly even the first in the world to attain full professional designation for all of it’s volunteers.
Fire Chief Mike Heim says that the designation is only obtained through a grueling, six to eight month process including education, professional development and community service. The Commission of Professional Credentialing certified all four of the volunteer chief officers as well as Heim over the past several years.
“When I came here four years ago, I never thought we would make this milestone,” said Heim, “This is remarkable because on the east coast, 90 percent of them are volunteer fire departments
Heim reported the distinction to the City Council on Wednesday. While most professional fire departments have staffs with full distinction, West Burlington is the first to hit the milestone as a volunteer department.
