Steinbach fire department looking for firefighters

The Steinbach fire department is recruiting on-call firefighters to fill its ranks, and Fire Chief Kel Toews said the department is looking to hire between 10 to 12 firefighters.

“That will put us in good stead for the next few years,” he said.

Upon hiring, new recruits will receive training for about 18 months before receiving their Level 1 Firefighter status. This includes provincial testing and participating in weekly drills.

“I would like to stress that we are not a full-time department and that these are not full-time positions. Having said that, there is a lot of training involved and a huge time commitment for those who are hired,” said Toews.

The fire chief said the department is looking for men and women who are physically fit, have at least a Grade 12 education, are team players, are willing to devote time to being a firefighter, and if they have a partner, for the partner to understand what kind of time commitment is involved.

All the training is done in-house with the firefighting certificate exam being done at the Manitoba Emergency Services College in Brandon.

“It’s difficult in the sense that it is physically demanding. Your first year when you’re getting your training there’s a lot of book work involved. People think it’s just physical (but) there is eight to nine months of Level 1 firefighter training, which involves a lot of book work, a lot of reading,” said Toews.

As the department gets busier, some employers are having a hard time letting their employees go on-call to a fire. Toews said the department is trying to get its numbers up so that it can run shift work so it’s not as much of a strain on those employers.

“In the last few years,…our numbers of applicants have gone down considerably so we’ve tried some new things in recruiting. When it comes down to it if there aren’t people with that kind of time commitment, we will have difficulty. It’s a North American phenomenon. Volunteerism is down all across the continent.”

The department will host two information sessions at the fire hall (477 Main Street). On April 12 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. those who are interested in becoming firefighters can get more information from the chief and Steinbach firefighters. On May 13, at 7 p.m., information will be given on what impact being a firefighter might have on one’s private life. Partners and spouses are encouraged to come.

“Even if you thought of maybe applying and you’re not sure, come to one of the information nights. Find out firsthand what’s involved. We’ll not sugar coat it. We’ll tell you exactly what type of time commitment (is involved). We’d hate to hire you and you quit in a month. Come out and ask the questions, make sure you want to be here. If you’re not sure come to the events, we’ll let you know what’s all involved and you can make your informed decision after that.”

Recruitment information and applications can be viewed on the City of Steinbach’s website at www.steinbach.ca/fire or can be picked up at Steinbach City Hall, located at 225 Reimer Avenue.