Parksville Volunteer Fire Department is hoping to add some new members in 2022.
The department said it is looking for positive, energetic and community minded women and men to join its team of paid on-call firefighters. It is accepting applications for recruit classes beginning in the spring.
“Paid on-call firefighters demonstrate the personal values of trust, integrity, and compassion and will be part of a skilled and dedicated team. Firefighters are committed to their community with more than just a desire to help. Firefighters have courage, passion, work well as part of a team and are eager to learn new skills,” reads a media release from the department.
Recruits do not need experience, just a good attitude and a willingness to face new challenges, according to the release.
“We provide professional training and on the job experience to become team members, leaders and highly skilled firefighters. Firefighting offers personal and professional challenges as well as extensive training in all aspects of firefighting,” the release said.
Benefits include personal satisfaction, community recognition, the chance to make new friends, involvement in community activities and learning new skills. The department also offers a junior program for those under the age of 19.
Candidates for paid on-call firefighters should be:
-19 years of age or older (junior member – age 16)
-Healthy and physically fit (medical and fitness screening required), non-smoker
-Good driver (valid BC driver’s licence and good driving record)
-Of good character (RCMP security check required)
-Able to attend weekday evening training sessions and occasional weekend training
-Live in the Parksville Fire Protection area (ideally within City of Parksville boundaries)
-Daytime availability preferred.
Parksville Fire is a composite department of on-call and career firefighters and provides fire and rescue services for the Parksville Fire Protection Area. It has served the community since 1942, responding to emergencies 365 days a year.
The deadline to apply is March 4 at 4 p.m. Contact the fire station during business hours (Monday to Friday,
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to speak with an officer or arrange a tour. All COVID-19 protocols in effect, masks are mandatory.
