Myth: The city provides all training for firefighters
Fact: To be considered for hire, firefighters are required to obtain an Emergency Medical Technician certification from the state. Many firefighters use vacation to attend training at their own expense.

Myth: The fire department checks the plans for all buildings constructed or remodeled in the city.
Fact: The city did away with the fire department plans examiner in 2000. This person was responsible for checking the plans to ensure compliance with fire codes. The plans were also checked against the life safety code. This code is stricter and is designed to save lives in the event of a fire.

Myth: The City has a designated night club inspector
Fact: The designated night club inspector retired a few years ago, and this position was eliminated.

Myth: Firefighters only respond to fires, and they have a limited work load.
Fact: In 2006, the fire department made more than 41,000 responses. If you pick up the phone and call 911, you will most likely see a firefighter. Firefighters respond to a lot of different types of incidents, including: all types of fires, medical emergencies including chest pain, cardiac arrest, seizures, falls, overdoses, shootings, stabbings and auto accidents. They also respond to hazardous materials spills, chemical odors, gas leaks, and electrical lines down, water emergencies, system alarms on homes or businesses, and citizens who have fallen and cannot get up. When a responding agency is not clearly defined, the fire department is dispatched.

Myth: The city provides food for the firefighters.
Fact: Firefighters provide their own food, at their own expense. There is no food allowance or reimbursement by the city.

Myth: Firefighters sit around and play cards all day.
Fact: Every fire station is busy today. Firefighters have a regimented day that includes physical training, maintenance of the station, yard, equipment, both station and department wide training, hydrant inspections, and hose tests. These responsibilities are in addition to the emergencies that must be responded to at any time of the day or night.