The fire and rescue service is one of the most diverse and challenging professions. It is this diversity that inspires most men and women to enter the service. Imagine having to train for situations such as building fires, hazardous chemical spills, heart attacks, vehicle accidents, and almost any imaginable emergency situation in between. This diversity must be met by the commitment of firefighters to respond to calls day or night, in rain or snow, under potentially stressful and emotional circumstances. All of these factors contribute to a personally rewarding experience.
You need more than just a desire to help people and give back to the community, though. You also need courage and dedication, assertiveness, and a willingness to learn new skills and face new challenges. You’ll need a large amount of commitment to training, responding and living the sometimes inconvenient lifestyle of a paid-on-call firefighter. The fire and rescue service is not for the meek or timid, nor is it for those who lose control of their emotions during times of crisis. Our service is one that calls on its members to perform hot, sweaty, dirty, strenuous work, often in uncertain and hazardous environments. The personal rewards and satisfaction received from the fire and rescue service are often beyond description. Accomplishment, compassion, and fulfillment are only a few of the words firefighters use to describe their feelings about their position.
Background
In 2019, Lacombe County updated its Fire Services Manual, which called for increased training requirements for all firefighters. Starting in January 2021, volunteer firefighters will be paid-on-call firefighters and will receive an hourly honorarium when attending calls, while at training, and during equipment checks.
With these increased expectations now established, it was time to ensure these dedicated individuals are properly compensated for their time – both on calls and in training.
Requirements
- A Canadian Class 5 Drivers License (minimum)
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Physically able to perform tasks/duties of the job
- Commitment to training, generally one evening a week
- Live and/or work in the response area
- Ability and willingness to respond to emergency incidents on a regular basis and at various times of day
- No conviction of a criminal offence related to the job duties of a firefighter
Responsibilities
- Work as part of a team to respond to emergency situations
- Protect citizens in times of crisis
- Perform the duties of emergency responder, fire suppression, and public education as assigned
- Learn the skills of an emergency responder
- Respond to a broad range of emergency situations
- Be a community role model
- Responsible for upgrading and maintaining skills/knowledge and physical requirements
- Maintain fire station and the upkeep of firefighting equipment
If you would like to know more about the fire department in your area or are curious about how you could support your local fire department in other ways, please feel free to call 403-782-8959 or contact your local Fire Chief. We would be glad to discuss with you any questions or concerns you may have about joining the fire service.
Sincerely,
Drayton Bussiere, Lacombe County Fire Chief