Want to serve your community and while learning lifesaving skills? The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department has launched their Annual Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Campaign and is looking for residents passionate about protecting their communities.
In addition to fire safety and suppression services, the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department also provides motor vehicle accident response, water rescue, and emergency medical response. Their five areas of responsibility include: emergency response, training, apparatus and equipment maintenance, administration, and fire prevention and education. The department responded to 824 dispatch calls to date in 2024.
“We’re searching for capable women and men looking to enhance their lives through service to such amazing communities as Huntsville and Lake of Bays. Protecting lives and property, community engagement and personal growth is what’s in it for you along with the exhilaration that comes from responding to calls,” says Paul Calleja, Deputy Fire Chief. “Volunteering with the HLOB Fire Department is an amazing way to develop valuable skills and gain experience in ways that may benefit you personally. Also, don’t let the term ‘volunteer’ mislead you. Compensation is given for all training, meetings, activities and responding to emergencies.”
Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department operates out of five stations with headquarters located at Station 1 in Huntsville. Each fire station is operated by a group of dedicated personnel that respond to emergencies through a 24/7 paging system.
There are perks to serving your community as a volunteer firefighter including:
- an hourly wage and compensation
- the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit
- professional development through Provincial Fire Fighter Certification
- advancement opportunities including rank advancement, apparatus driver, and instructor
- a strong team and family-oriented environment
- and a sense of accomplishment and giving back to the community.
Qualifications and Requirements
The Fire department provides training that will prepare candidates for practical firefighting skills. The Fire department covers training costs. Transportation and other fees are the responsibility of the applicant. Successful candidates will be required to complete the following items or authorize the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire department to obtain them:
- Proof of valid driver’s licence
- Vulnerable sector screening
- Physician’s letter
- Firefighter Physical Aptitude Testing (FPAT)
- Firefighter code of ethics
- Return of company property agreement
- Return for service agreement
- Conditions of employment
Want to learn more? The in-person information session will highlight what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter, training expectations, and the application process. It also provides attendees with the opportunity to ask questions.
Fire Recruitment Information Session
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Station 1 Huntsville (1 Payne Drive)
Applications open on November 4 and close on November 30, 2024. Interested individuals are invited to attend an information session at Station 1 Huntsville (1 Payne Drive) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
For more information about becoming a Huntsville/Lake of Bays volunteer firefighter and to submit your application, visit huntsville.ca/JoinFire. Applications are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on November 30, 2024. Check out their recruitment video!
