Firefighters wanted

Times Contributor 

 

At first glance, working as a firefighter might not be everyone’s career of choice. A lot of negative considerations jump to mind, like risks to personal safety, extreme stress, hard work at all hours of the day, unexpected callouts and exposure to bad weather and toxic conditions for lengthy periods.

Chief Muir Furzer wants prospective volunteers to know there are many positive things, and there is a lot more to the job than meets the eye. Being a firefighter has many rewarding aspects for those who want to make the commitment. Things like paid work and training opportunities, and experience leading to full time paid opportunities in other cities fire services are just a few of the bonuses in working with Strathmore Fire. Furzer is looking for 10-15 new recruits. 

“It is absolutely rewarding and challenging, “said Muir, about service to the community. “As a kid, you have to be the one that enjoyed climbing up trees, jumping off roofs and playing in the mud.”

Furzer said many people sign up to help members of their community and feel that they make a difference in the world. Successfully helping someone in need, who cannot at the moment help themselves, is satisfying beyond words. He said mastering the various training programs instils a sense of personal confidence, and some of the ticket certifications can be used in other employment.

He gave the example of Wanda Murray; she is a female member in her fifties, and a grandmother, someone you wouldn’t expect as a firefighter. Furzer said she related to him how she has gained confidence by being on the job. Murray was given training and has now attained her Class three license, airbrake tickets, and open water certification, and works as a fire pump engineer on calls. 

“We encourage anyone to join. We are not discriminatory here,” Furzer said.

Recruits don’t have to go through physical endurance testing for approval, but do have to be somewhat physically fit and medically certified for heart and lung issues. Certain medical conditions are acceptable.

The service is volunteer based: however, Strathmore offers an incentive of payment between $15 to $30 per hour for callouts and training, depending where the member falls on the training, certification and service scale.  The volunteer needs to be 19 or older and community minded. No experience is necessary and training will be given. 

It takes about three years to be a licenced firefighter. Some of the more interesting training is high angle rescue, hazardous material handling and river rescue.

“The training you receive here is second to none in the area, and many of our members go on to work for the City of Calgary, and some of the members from there volunteer here,” said Furzer.

There is a social element in the service that includes dinners, BBQ’s and family outings to places like Calaway Park.

Furzer said applications can be found on the www.strathmorefire.ca  website, or contact him at  firehall@strathmore.ca (403) 934-3022  or drop in to 680 Westchester Road,  Strathmore, AB.