Members from volunteer Fire/Rescue departments in the Cowichan Valley gathered at the Honeymoon Bay fire hall on Sept. 27 for the CVRD Fire/Rescue Recruitment and Retention Day, an afternoon of showcasing the volunteer departments, equipment and trucks to potential members.
“Today we’re doing an open house Recruitment and Retention drive,” said Keith Bird, Fire Chief of Honeymoon Bay Volunteer Fire Department. “Several of the fire departments within the CVRD are all getting together here at our hall to raise the awareness within our communities about the opportunities available as a volunteer fire fighter.”
Bird, who has been with the Honeymoon Bay department for 10 years, shared what he finds rewarding about being a volunteer Fire/Rescue member.
“It’s an absolute honour to gain skills and then be available to use those skills 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Bird.
“In my case it’s been the most amazing experience of my life and I would certainly recommend people to try it.”
Lona Maas is a volunteer with Sahtlam Volunteer Fire Department and has been with the department for four and a half years. For Lona, the best part of being a volunteer member is giving back to her community.
“We get a lot of first responder calls,” said Maas. She also works for Canada Post, and many people in the community know her.
“If they know that I’m coming with the truck, they seem to relax,”said Maas. “That’s what really means a lot to me–getting to know my neighbours and helping my neighbours out.”
Maas is one of six women currently in her department. She says that everyone on the department is treated the same, man or woman.
“When I first stepped in there I thought, ‘Well, am I just going to get all the little jobs?’ But I get the same training as everybody else.”
Faron Harvey, who has been a member of the Youbou Volunteer Fire Department for seven years, has found many benefits from being with the hall.
“I like the camaraderie you have with the guys and gals but mostly I like helping my community,” says Harvey. “I like being there for people who are in need.”
Harvey is a lieutenant with the department, and went through a NFPA training course in Texas. He says he’d recommend people volunteer with their local departments for the personal gains and for the community.
“You get a deep sense of accomplishment, and it’s fun. You learn lots,” said Harvey.
Harvey points out that volunteers are essential.
“You’re dealing first hand dealing with people that are in dire need. The taxes from small communities can’t support a full time paid hall, so if we’re not here we don’t have anybody protecting our community.”
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer fire fighter, contact your local fire department for more information.
