|
Our 700-strong volunteer corps makes this the largest composite fire department in Canada. The volunteers respond to about 3,000 emergency calls a year throughout HRM.
Members are recruited from all areas of HRM. In more densely populated urban areas, where there is 24-hour protection provided by career members, the volunteers operate their own assigned trucks and take over protection of their communities when career members have been paged out.
In less populated suburban areas, career members provide day time coverage. Volunteers provide backup during the day, and take over emergency response during evenings, weekends and and holidays.
In the most rural areas, protection is provided solely by volunteers.
 In all areas of HRM, career and volunteer members work together seamlessly at serious incidents where additional manpower is required. With the focus of all members on the best possible protection to all residents of HRM, it is not uncommon for career members to be assisting volunteers in the rural areas, or for volunteers to be assisting career members in the urban or suburban areas.
HRFE’s basic fire fighter training standard is based on the NFPA 1001 Firefighter training standard. But like their career counterparts, many volunteers move on to more advanced courses such as Rapid Intervention Team, Safety, Ice Rescue, Officer Development, Wildland Fire Techniques, and others.
Volunteer driver-operators take the same training and examinations as career members. All firefighters are trained and certified as Medical First Responders. And many volunteers also participate in Public Education and Fire Prevention.
For more information, please contact Heather McKay, HR Consultant 490-4391
|
