The ranks of the Pierre Fire Department is making a request for more volunteers to sign up to serve the community. Deputy Fire Chief Greg Baker says some current firefighters will be moving on to other communities to take new jobs or to go on to college. He says that means there will only be about sixty members left-when the optimum number should be around seventy firefighters. Baker says most every day, there are about fifteen or more firefighters that are unavailable to respond to fire calls, because of work or other obligations-so having at least seventy members available ensures that there will always be plenty of firemen and women that can help in a fire emergency. Baker says being a firefighter offers a chance to serve the community and help others. Firefighters also receive benefits like a free YMCA membership and they get free physicals. Baker says those wanting to find out more about becoming a fire department member should simply visit the Number One Fire Station on Dakota Avenue, to fill out an application. After an interview, a background check is done and once new firefighters are assigned to a company, they'll go through about one hundred hours of training-which takes place over a two year period. Baker says it only takes a few weeks for an applicant to become a fire department member. Those interested in becoming a firefighter can also visit the Pierre Fire Department's website at http://www.pierrefiredept.org/ to find out more information about this unique opportunity.