Snohomish County Fire District 1 is seeking applicants with military service for a new program to help older adults: Veterans in Prevention.

The program was developed in partnership with Operation Military Family and funded by a grant from the Verdant Health Commission. The idea is to provide returning veterans with a meaningful way to continue their mission to serve while also addressing a major health issue threatening the independence of older adults in our community: Falls.

Fire District 1 responds to more than 1,000 emergency aid calls for falls injuries each year. Veterans in Prevention will be part of the innovative South Snohomish County Community Paramedic Task Force, which focuses on helping patients with needs outside the scope of the traditional emergency medical services system. Falls are the top reason patients are referred for community paramedic services.

Veterans in Prevention will be paired up with community paramedics to provide clients, including veterans, with home safety assessments and recommendations. They will also provide follow-up client contact and administrative support for falls prevention outreach.

Veterans in Prevention will receive a monthly stipend and are limited to working no more than 40 hours a month for a team leader and 10 hours a month for a team member. Applications are being accepted through Nov. 18 and the program will begin on Jan. 1. Information on the hiring process is available on the Fire District 1 website: www.firedistrict1.org/employment or by calling 425-551-1200.

“We’re proud to have 28 military veterans on the job in Fire District 1 and we want to add more. We know those who have served in the military have the commitment to public service we are looking for in our employees,” said Fire Chief Scott Cockrum. “Many of the skills they’ve acquired while serving our country align with the demands of a career in the fire service.”

Fire District 1 expects to hire firefighters in the coming year and encourages veterans to apply with National Testing Network, www.nationaltestingwork.com, to be placed on an employment list.

Eligible veterans can receive hiring preference points ranging from 5 to 10 percent added to their scores in all competitive examinations used to determine qualifications of employment applicants.