Those that wish to volunteer with county fire departments but have not yet taken a first responder course will get the chance next month.

The Jemison Fire Department and the Chilton County Emergency Management Agency are sponsoring a first responder course beginning March 2.

Chilton County EMA Director Bill Collum said only 15 spots are available for the class.

“We’ve already had at least eight sign up for the class,” Collum said. “The remaining spaces will fill up quickly.”

Collum said those who want to pre-register for the class should call the EMA office at 755-0900 as soon as possible before the class is full. Collum said to leave a message, and he will get back in touch with you.

The classes will be held on Mondays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. It will be a 40-hour course that will likely take about five weeks.

First responders are those emergency personnel that are first on the scene of vehicle crashes and other incidents.

Those involved in the courses will learn skills such as basic first aid and other basic medical care.

“This is a class you must complete if you want to run with a fire department,” Collum said.

The county EMA normally holds at least two of these classes each year, and they also sponsor at least two Community Emergency Response Team courses each year.