The Vicksburg Fire Department and Chief Derrick Stamps by Allison Smith

I had the pleasure of meeting Derrick Stamps, the Fire chief in Vicksburg and he gave me some valuable information about firefighters.

Chief Stamps shared that firefighters are highly trained professionals who perform a variety of tasks. These tasks include responding to medical emergencies, rescuing people from dangerous situations, and educating the public about fire safety. Mr. Stamps has been a veteran of the Vicksburg Fire Department for 23 years now and has enjoyed serving our community. He is dedicated to his team and is striving to make his staff on the VFD the standard for Mississippi, if not the nation.

Firefighters are heroes who risk their lives every day to protect people, property, and homes from fires, and other hazards. If you are searching for a fulfilling and challenging career, and you want to make a difference in your community, you should think about joining the Vicksburg Fire Department.

Fire department patch

Benefits of Becoming a Firefighter

• Helping others and saving lives: Firefighters have the opportunity to save lives and help others in need, which can be very satisfying. Firefighters also receive thanks, respect, and love from the people they help, which can boost their self-esteem and morale.
• Working as a team: Firefighters work as a team with their colleagues and other emergency responders, such as police officers, paramedics, and dispatchers. They form strong bonds and friendships with their fellow firefighters, who become like a second family. They also learn to trust and count on one another.
• Paid Training: All you need is your time. Firefighters receive extensive training and education in various fields, such as technical rescue, fire science, hazardous materials, and emergency medicine. They will also gain valuable experience, information, and knowledge by responding to different types of emergencies.

Requirements and Qualifications To Becoming a Firefighter

• Becoming a firefighter requires meeting certain requirements, such as:
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old and a citizen or resident of the United States to apply for a firefighter. Some departments could require an age of 21 to apply.
• Education: You must have a high school diploma or GED to apply for a firefighter. You must also obtain a valid driver’s license and a state or national certification as an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic.
• Physical and mental fitness: You must pass a physical fitness test and a medical examination to prove that you are both physically and mentally fit to perform the duties of a firefighter. You must also pass a background check and a drug test to ensure that you have a clean record and no substance abuse issues.

(Photo by David Day)

How to Apply for a Firefighter Position

If you meet the requirements and qualifications for becoming a firefighter, you can apply for a firefighter position by clicking here.

Special thanks go to Derrick Stamps, and the dedicated team of firefighters we have in the Vicksburg, Ms. area. These men and women are truly heroes in our community, and we thank them all for their time and determination to keep us all safe.