Calling all volunteers - join the WWFD#2 to serve and grow

WAITSBURG - The safety of the Waitsburg community, residents, and agriculture rests in the hands of the volunteers of the Columbia Walla Walla Fire District #2 (CWWFD#2). The Waitsburg-based fire department is looking for new team members for firefighting and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Volunteers are encouraged to focus on their interests and not feel the need to do it all. The station responds to both fire and medical calls.

"In 2024, we ran 188 medical and 59 fire calls," said CWWFD#2 Chief Matt Spring. "Last year, was 155 medical and 92 fire. So far this year, the station is at 140 total calls, with 98 medical and 42 fire."

Submitted photo

Field firefighting protects homes, residents, and agricultural assets.

The CWWFD#2 will provide training, equipment, and support for volunteers, regardless of experience. Anyone interested in medical response will have the opportunity to attend an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class this fall.

EMT responsibilities include:

• Emergency response and patient care

• Assessment and triage

• Basic life support

• Compassionate care

• Patient transfers

• Equipment maintenance

• Continuous training

Firefighting responsibilities include:

• Fire suppression - homes, vehicles, and crops.

• Rescue operations

• Station readiness

• Fire prevention, community outreach, and inspections

• Continuous training

Volunteering helps keep the community safe by providing emergency services not readily available. Working alongside the experienced CWWFD #2 team will help volunteers learn important skills, including CPR, first aid, and field fire suppression.

Working with the district will build community connection, team camaraderie, and personal strength.

Submitted photo

Volunteers Corben Ketelsen and Tom House are taking a water break.

Spring said that an increase in personnel will help all volunteers take on station duties, including responding to calls, washing trucks, servicing vehicles, and cleaning the station. An additional four to five EMTs would also lighten the load for Spring, who shares the work station work and must oversee operations.

"I do this job because when I first started as a volunteer, I found a greater sense of purpose through helping people and serving my communit," said Spring. "While that purpose still drives me, my commitment to the brotherhood and sisterhood of first responders has become an equally important part of why I do this. Giving them the training, equipment, and support they need to succeed in the field is incredibly rewarding. And, let's be honest, putting out fires is just pretty dang cool."

Submitted photo

Chief Matt Spring and Miguel Castillo, Jr in the field.

The Chief encourages those interested in joining the crew to reach out to him and the other CWWFD#2 members, including Tom House and Dane Henze. It is a good way to get an honest opinion from a volunteer's perspective. Spring said it could help bridge the gap of the unknown for anyone hesitant to volunteer.

The following is a letter to "The Times" submitted on July 17, 2026:

Letter of thanks to the CWWFD#2

To the Editor,

I would like to send a huge thank you to the Waitsburg and Dayton firefighters who, in the middle of the night on July 16, responded to a lightning-caused stubble fire in our field off Field’s Gulch Road. They showed up in force with trucks and water to douse flames which were spreading in all directions.

Fortunately for us, they stopped the fire just as it reached a point across the road from farm buildings and two homes. Thanks also to the alert citizen who spotted the fire and called 911.  We are so very grateful. Kudos to all of you!

Susan L. Talbott

Yakima, Washington