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When the whistle blows for a city fire call there are more than just on duty paid personnel that responds.

The City of Newberry Fire Department has a dozen volunteer firefighters that have a combined 136 years of service with the fire department.

These firefighter’s respond and train just like the paid firefighters in the department.

Each is required to have a firefighter level two stats which means 240 hours in classes.

But most have gone above and beyond by taking extra classes in things like driving emergency vehicles, pump operations, aerial operations, training and command certifications.

The volunteers also are available to fill in for the paid staff.

They also work additional events like the July 4 and Oktoberfest.

Some of the volunteers are retired firefighters, law enforcement officers, utility and air conditioning workers and one is a veterinarian, one a fire academy instructor and another a pastor.

Also in addition to serving the city, many of these men also are members of other fire departments, the county dive team and rescue squads.

And while the dozen continue to lend a helping hand, the department and other volunteer fire departments around the county are in need of more volunteers to help.

With the demands on individuals and the required training and requirements the number of volunteers have decreased, said Newberry Fire Chief Keith Minick, who has attended national conferences on recruiting new volunteers.

Minick encourages anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to contact him at 321-1030 for more information.