What if no one answered the call?
The goal of the fire prevention office is to maintain a minimum level of fire and life safety for the general public in public buildings throughout the community, through education and enforcement of applicable codes and standards. The Parksville Fire Protection Area is fortunate to have a team of dedicated professional firefighters who at a moment’s notice, willingly respond to aid a member of their community. We are most grateful for the support of our members and their families and employers.
What’s in it for me?
Benefits include great training opportunities, some training stipends, a strong sense of accomplishment and in addition to technical education, being a paid on-call firefighter is about community service, teamwork and camaraderie. Members gain personal satisfaction by helping in the community, are active in charitable activities through fundraising and support organizations and events by providing first aid and other specialized services.
What’s my commitment?
For both members and new recruits, the time commitment is significant.
- Attend 70% of weekly practices held Monday evenings, 7 to 9.15 pm.
- Respond to emergencies during the day, evening and night.
- Participate in scheduled Sunday morning equipment maintenance (once every four weeks).
- Complete required training in a timely manner.
- Promote public safety.
- Work as a member of the team for the benefit of the public, the department and the fire service.
- At all times act in a manner which reflects positively on the department.
- Recruit firefighters will attend as close to 100% of weekly practices as possible and attend a two-day weekend training session each month during the first year.
- Many training opportunities will be offered.
Who can volunteer?
Just like the communities they come from, the department
is made up of men and women from all walks of life, from all cultural backgrounds, age groups and professions. As long as you're over the age of 19, you can apply to join as a volunteer. For those under 19, we offer a junior program, providing a great introduction to life as a member. Basic requirements include good physical fitness, a good driving record and are available for weekly practices. And most of
all, you need a keen desire to do the job!
How do I become a member?
The department conducts an annual recruitment campaign from January to March with recruitment ongoing throughout the year. The process is easy, pick up an application from the fire hall or from the website. Once submitted along with a criminal record check and drivers abstract, you'll be invited to interview. Once the checks are complete, you'll get a letter telling you if you've been successful. If you are, you're accepted as a probationary member for eleven months.
What are the requirements?
Firefighting can be strenuous requiring good physical fitness. Members need to be able to raise ground ladders, hoist equipment, climb stair wells, drag water filled hose lines, operate equipment and perform a myriad of other tasks, all while under the stress of an emergency situation and wearing up to 27 kilos of personal protective equipment. Required qualifications include:
- Regular members range in age from 19 to 60. The department also offers a junior member program for persons between 16 and 19 years of age.
- High school graduation (or attending high school in the case of a junior member applicant).
- Canadian citizenship status or landed immigrant status.
- BC driver’s licence demonstrating safe driving record.
- No conviction for a criminal offence related to the job duties of a firefighter.
- Live in the Parksville Fire Protection Area.
- Available for Monday evening fire practices.
What if I want to know more?
Talk to members of the department or stop by the firehall at 160 Jensen Avenue West or call 250 248-3242. Our website has information about the proud history of the department, our many different roles and more details on how to join.
