Norfolk County looking to increase number of volunteer firefighters

A lot has changed when it comes to volunteer firefighting over the past 27 years but some things remain the same, says Norfolk County Fire Chief Gord Stilwell.

“The camaraderie, the teamwork and the satisfaction you get from contributing to the community,” Stilwell said. “That was a big part of volunteer firefighting back when I started and it’s still true today.

“People who become volunteer firefighters develop relationships that last a life time.”

Norfolk County is looking to boost its ranks of volunteer firefighters and Stilwell is hoping two upcoming recruitment nights will generate some interest.

The first open house takes place Aug. 9 at the Port Dover Fire Station while the second takes place Aug. 10 at the Langton Fire Station. Both events take place from 7 pm to 8 pm

Although some volunteer fire departments have had difficulty recruiting and retaining volunteers, Norfolk County, by comparison, is in good shape, Stilwell said.

“We’re looking for about 16 new recruits,” Stilwell said adding that department has 254 fire fighters when it is at full complement.

Norfolk has 11 fire stations and responds to between 900 and 1,000 calls a year. Areas in need of more additional firefighters include Port Dover, Teeterville, Courtland, Langton, Fairground, St. Williams and Vittoria.

No previous experience is required and all training and certification is provided free.

The deadline for application is August 25. For more information, or to apply visit www.norfolkcountyfire.ca/recruitment/ .

Successful recruits receive three years of training to become fully certified. However, they will gradually be integrated into normal operations as early as three months, Stilwell said.

The fire department organizes weekend training sessions for those aspects of firefighting that require more intensive instruction. After receiving the basics, recruits participate in weekly training sessions.

Stilwell said the training includes emergency patient care, emergency driving, fire chemistry, ground ladder operations as well as structural search and rescue.

“I started off as a volunteer firefighter and I’ve been doing this for 27 years,” Stilwell said. “The training has really improved over the years and provides firefighters with skills like first aid that they can use in other areas of their lives.

“The equipment that we use has improved, safety of firefighters has improved over the years and we get strong support from council.”

Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin is encouraging residents to consider joining the volunteer fire department.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the residents who volunteer for our fire department,” Martin said. “If you think you have what it takes to join the ranks of these brave men and women, I encourage you to submit an application.”

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