The McKellar Fire Department is recruiting volunteers.
Fire Chief Edward Bier says that the process to join the fire department is for individuals who are serious about making a difference in the community.
“The first part of the process is to have a background and vulnerable sector check which takes about four to six weeks. If we can get individuals in the recruit program that is currently taking place Parry Sound, we will provide in house training here. We provide first aid, CPR, firefighter training and the recruit is required to get a DZ driver’s license within the first year,” he said.
Bier says that a commitment in a recruit’s success comes from the individual, the fire department and from the municipality.
“There is a time commitment that comes from the individual as well as the department and a monetary commitment on the township’s part in buying bunker gear for firefighters. We want to make sure that someone who wants to join has thought it through and wants to stick around,” Bier added.
Bier said that recruits can expect to commit two to three hours every other week for training including the occasional weekend training and about one to two public service events within the year. He added that the township’s investment in fire safety or bunker gear for a recruit can cost the township approximately $3000 to $4000.
“In some instances, a firefighter will leave work to respond to a major structure fire. Employers aren’t required to allow them to do that, and I can’t request that they leave work, but we certainly appreciate the employers that do allow firefighters to leave their jobs to respond to calls,” the fire chief said.
“You really are serving your community and we provide a service that not a lot of people always think about until they need us,” he said.
The McKellar Fire Department says it has noted an increase in calls over the last year and would like to start training individuals now. If you have an interest in joining The McKellar Volunteer Fire Department contact contact Fire Chief Edward Bier at 705-389-9597.