Grand Bay-Westfield seeks volunteer fire and rescue recruits

Grand Bay-Westfield Volunteer Fire and Rescue is seeking volunteers 19 and over to participate in volunteer firefighting efforts in the community, according to fire Chief Troy Gautreau.

They're currently seeking between five and eight volunteers in order to keep the department's numbers around 45, split between two stations. Three firefighters are employed full time.

While the deparment isn'tcurrently lacking for volunteers, "It takes a significant amount of time to get firefighters trained," said Gautreau.

"If people move away or leave, we like to have fresh firefighters in and trained and ready to replace them."

Generally, they put out a call for recruits once a year, according to Gautreau.

Training for new recruits

Would-be volunteers must complete a medical exam, a criminal record check, and hold a valid driver's licence. The applicant is also askedwhy they want to be a volunteer firefighter.

"The number one reason by far is community service," said Gautreau. "Following that, we have a number of applications from people who have gone to firefighter schools and they're looking to keep up those skills."

Roles for new volunteers include setting up tools, staging areas, assisting with water supply, and photographing fire scenes.

"We have a probationary period of six months where we complete our in-house new member training program," said Gautreau.

After the probationary period and orientation, they can start the year-longFirefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 courses required for those doing frontline work.

Applications are available via the town of Grand Bay-Westfield website, by calling the fire station, or via a link on the department'sFacebook page. The deadline to apply is Nov. 4.