Town calls for more volunteer firefighters

The Town of Fort Frances is on the lookout for volunteer firefighters, with a deadline for applications coming up next Wednesday (Jan. 21).
“At this time, we are short a couple of firefighters so we’re putting a call out,” Fire Chief Steve Richardson said Tuesday.
“We try to keep 20 volunteers firefighters on at any given time. If those numbers drop, we try to get them back up again,” added Christine Ruppenstein, manager of Human Resources for the town.
Chief Richardson said the job is much like being a full-time firefighter in that volunteers respond to all reported fires, as well as most emergency response calls and rescue efforts.
“They’re an integral part of the service,” he stressed.
The volunteers also train along with the full-timers twice a month, and can undergo further training during exercises at various times throughout the year.
Chief Richardson noted the term “volunteer” is a little misleading. While they do not work scheduled shifts, volunteer firefighters do receive remuneration when they go out on calls and, for the most part, are responsible for the same on-the-job duties as their counterparts.
All applicants must undergo a medical exam, take a police background check, write an aptitude test, and undergo an interview process, added Chief Richardson.
The town is an equal opportunity employer, noted Ruppenstein.
Chief Richardson said individuals tend to stay on as volunteer firefighters for an average of five years, but some do it for 10 or even 15 years.
“There definitely is a time commitment to being a volunteer firefighter, especially if you have a young family,” he remarked. “But it’s certainly a commitment that is very much appreciated.”
Complete job description and application forms are available at the Civic Centre or on the town’s website at www.fort-frances.com
Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 21.
This can be done on-line at the address above, via fax (274-8479), e-mail (cruppenstein@fort-frances.com), or regular mail. See the ad elsewhere in today’s Times for the complete address.
(Fort Frances Times)