Duane Hicks
Optimizing the delivery of public education and prevention programs will be the most effective means to further reduce the impacts of fire, and fire-related injuries, here in Fort Frances and across Rainy River District.
Such is the philosophy of Tyler Moffitt, the new fire chief and Community Emergency Management Co-ordinator for the Town of Fort Frances.
The 51-year-old, who has served as a firefighter in Rainy River District since February, 1987, has been on the job for about a month now and already is looking at making some changes.
One idea is having part-time public educators to spread the message of fire safety.
“This is something that’s been an idea of mine for a while,” Moffitt noted.
“People have done it elsewhere in Canada and the United States—a lot of the retirees or just someone that says, ‘I want to help out,’” he said.
Moffitt conceded it can be difficult for full-time firefighters to conduct public education due to their other responsibilities, including their obligation to respond to calls at any given moment.
“A lot of times during Fire Prevention Week, they’ll be doing school visits and a call comes in,” he explained, noting they’re the only firefighter on-duty.
But public educators could be individuals of any age or fitness level who would deliver fire safety messages at community events.
Similarly, Moffitt said the public can expect to see more fire safety-related messages in the media, including the Fort Frances Times.
He also is looking to recruit more volunteer firefighters.
Besides Moffitt and the five full-time firefighters on staff (Wayne Riches, Dave Crichton, Rob Dokuchie, Gavin Payne, and Doug Wright), the fire and rescue service includes 14 volunteer firefighters.
But Moffitt would like to bolster the volunteer ranks to up to 20 strong.
He noted every current career member of the force came up through the volunteer ranks—getting experience on the job and then opting to make it their chosen career.
But Moffitt stressed “it’s not for everybody.”
“It takes dedication and commitment, and it is challenging and fun and all that, but there’s a training aspect,” he noted.
“And we need to know when you’re available, too.
“There’s also situations that are not so pleasant that you see over the years,” added Moffitt.
Moffitt said the fire department will be advertising shortly, as well as likely hosting an open for those interested in being a volunteer firefighter.
Training also will be a major focus both for new and current volunteer and full-time firefighters.
Moffitt stressed training is the primary factor in emergency response and the majority of the fire department’s calls are medical ones.
“The reason for that is we are all older,” he noted.
“A lot of people don’t realize that when the fire truck goes out, they’re often going to a medical call.”
Because the Rainy River District EMS is based in just four locations from Rainy River to Atikokan, and is very busy, Moffitt said it can take the ambulance a while to respond to a medical call.
As such, the fire and rescue service often is first on the scene, possibly providing immediate care with oxygen, defibrillators, and the like.
Moffitt also stressed the importance of fire inspections which identify issues that could prevent future fires.
He was health and safety co-ordinator at the local paper mill until it shut down, then was health and safety advisor for New Gold for more than a year before former fire chief Frank Sheppard announced his retirement.
When he heard of the job opening, Moffitt decided to apply.
“I saw it as an opportunity, a challenge, and a leadership role,” he noted. “The passion and the drive and loyalty has been there for almost 30 years.
“Another thing was I knew what I was getting into,” he added. “I know we have a professional fire department here and some pretty dedicated guys here.”
Moffitt saluted the professionalism of the town’s firefighters.
“They take their job very seriously and take a lot of pride in it, too,” he remarked.
“There’s many things that go on behind the scenes—from maintaining the trucks to public education to doing to duties in the hall,” Moffitt added.
“They’re the cleaners, they’re the painters—if there’s something to be fixed, they fix it. They have the skills.”
Moffitt said it is “a great honour and privilege to serve the citizens of Fort Frances.”
“Together, we as stakeholders will realize the opportunities in building relationships, which will enable actions and positive change,” he reasoned.
