Can you fill these boots?
Extension Volunteer Fire Department accepts applications for volunteer on-call firefighters throughout the year. Please take the time to read through the information about the recruitment process and most importantly, the expected commitment level. If you have any questions, please stop by the fire hall or give us a call or email.
When recruitment begins
In the summer of each year, advertisements are posted locally at mailboxes throughout the district, and on the Extension Fire and Rescue website.
Candidates are encouraged to consider carefully their qualifications against the required qualifications prior to completing and submitting the application form. Candidates should be aware the level of required commitment is significant.
Recruitment process:
- Includes a written application form, shortlisting of applicants, physical assessment and aptitude testing, a panel interview, and references.
- Upon request, a Criminal record search and driving record to be submitted along with the application. Appointments are conditional upon a satisfactory criminal record search.
- Successful candidates may be required to undergo a medical assessment by their physician which is paid by the department.
- At the end of the process and the required number of successful applicants is hired and if there are more successful applicants than needed, an eligibility list may be created and kept until the next recruiting campaign or if an opening occurs mid-year.
Please note candidates may be eliminated from consideration at several stages in the recruiting/testing process.
What’s in it for me?
Benefits include great training opportunities, some training stipends, a strong sense of accomplishment and in addition to technical education, a volunteer firefighter is about community service, teamwork and camaraderie. Members gain personal satisfaction by helping in the community, are active in charitable activities through fundraising and support organizations and events by providing first aid and other specialized services.
What’s my commitment?
For both members and new recruits, the time commitment is significant.
- Attend 70% of weekly practices held Tuesday evenings, 7 to 9:30 pm.
- Respond to emergencies during the day, evening, and night.
- Participate in scheduled weekend equipment maintenance (once every eight weeks).
- Complete required training in a timely manner.
- Promote public safety.
- Work as a member of the team for the benefit of the public, the department, and the fire service.
- At all times act in a manner that reflects positively on the department.
- Recruit firefighters will attend as close to 100% of weekly practices as possible and attend a two-day weekend training session each month during the first year.
- Many training opportunities will be offered.
Why become a volunteer?
There are many reasons to consider joining the Extension Fire Department. For starters, it’s a great way to contribute to your local community. You will learn new skills, from firefighting and first aid to communications and technical rescue. And you will make new friends that you’re likely to have for the rest of your life.
Who can volunteer?
Just like the communities they come from, the department is made up of men and women from all walks of life, from all cultural backgrounds, age groups and professions. As long as you’re over the age of 19, you can apply to join as a volunteer. For those under 19, we offer a junior program, providing a great introduction to life as a member. Basic requirements include good physical fitness, a good driving record and are available for weekly practices. And most of all, you need a keen desire to do the job!
How do I become a member?
The process is easy. Pick up an application from the fire hall or from the website. Once submitted along with a criminal record check and driver’s abstract, you’ll be invited to interview. Once the checks are complete, you’ll get a letter telling you if you’ve been successful. If you are, you’re accepted as a probationary member for eleven months.
What kind of training is provided?
If you’re accepted as a volunteer, you will undertake the recruit training program. This program runs for about eleven months and will teach you about the department, how we work safely, equipment used and how we deal with the threat of fire. Later, you will train in advanced firefighting, technical rescue, first aid or leading crews in the field.
What are the requirements?
Firefighting can be strenuous requiring good physical fitness. Members need to be able to raise ground ladders, hoist equipment, climb stair wells, drag water filled hose lines, operate equipment and perform a myriad of other tasks, all while under the stress of an emergency situation and wearing up to 27 kilos of personal protective equipment. Required qualifications include:
- Regular members range in age from 19 to 65. The department also offers a junior member program for persons between 15 and 19 years of age.
- High school graduation (or attending high school in the case of a junior member applicant).
- Canadian citizenship status or landed immigrant status.
- BC driver’s license demonstrating a safe driving record.
- No conviction for a criminal offense related to the job duties of a firefighter.
- Live in the Extension & District Fire Protection Area.
- Available for Tuesday evening fire practices.
What if I want to know more?
Talk to members of the department or stop by the Firehall at 2201 Bramley Road. Our website has information about the proud history of the department, our many different roles, and more details on how to join.
