Rocky View County (RVC) Fire Services has put a call out for paid-per-call volunteer firefighter applications in the Langdon area.
According to Fire Chief Randy Smith, the County is seeking to fill 10 volunteer positions for Langdon Fire Station 111, to bolster the station's ranks to about 40. He said they are interested in recruits who are able to commit to the extensive time it takes to finish the training necessary to become a paid-per-call firefighter.
“Most volunteers, when they get onto the department, where we end up losing them is when they didn’t understand the time commitment that is required,” Smith said. “It takes two to three years to fully train a firefighter to a point where they can actually go in and be a structural firefighter.”
Smith said RVC Fire Services is looking for individuals aged 18 or older with a clean criminal record, medical clearance and a driver’s abstract. According to Smith, applicants should be physically fit and able to wear the protective equipment necessary to perform firefighting duties.
“You've probably seen pictures [of firefighters] with the heavy gear and an air pack on their back, maybe carrying tools and breathing supplied air,” he said. “We’re looking for people who are able to carry that load and do the job.”
RVC Fire Services pays those in the training program $20.40 an hour, which increases to $23 an hour as they receive further certifications. According to rockyview.ca, paid-per-call firefighters are not scheduled for shifts at a station but commit to regular hours for weekly training and station upkeep.
Smith said becoming a paid-per-call firefighter is a great way to help the community and develop important skills, whether it’s learning to use various tools or developing better leadership qualities. He added people should consider applying even if they are not considering firefighting as a full-time career.
“I think the opportunities are endless and it’s a phenomenal opportunity for a person to build their resume,” he said. “This opportunity, not only will it put a few dollars in your pocket, but it may give you the edge over a candidate you’re going against for a future job.”
To apply, visit rockyview.ca/careers. The posting will be up until Dec. 13.
After an interview process, Smith said the 10 successful recruits will begin the training program in mid-to-late January. In Langdon, training is held at the fire station on Thursday evenings.
According to Smith, RVC Fire Services typically receives more applications for paid-per-call firefighters than there is room for, meaning most of the applicants will not be selected as recruits. However, he said if an applicant does not make the shortlist, they can sign up for an email notification from RVC Fire Services for future opportunities.
“We’re looking for 10 candidates. In Langdon, it’s typical for us to get 20 or 30 applications when we do a posting,” Smith said. “If you were not fortunate enough to get in this time, we encourage people to put an alert on, because we have a 10 per cent attrition rate across the board. Someone next year will be recruiting again, and you’ll want to know when it comes up.”
Smith added RVC Fire Services’ training program will be altered from previous courses to comply with COVID-19 health and safety protocols. New measures include offering smaller class sizes, socially distancing recruits and wearing PPE.
“Everything we do these days, we have to take another look at it to make sure we’re conforming to the safety rules,” he said.
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
