PENINSULA
NEWS REVIEW
Volunteering for a quarter-century
Seeking new voices
Lillian Tripp has been a Sendial volunteer on the Peninsula for 25 years and was recently recognized. Page 3
The Peninsula Singers are in need of more people as they prepare for a new season on stage. Page 14 Watch for breaking news at www.peninsulanewsreview.com
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Peninsula firefighters growing Area fire chiefs say daytime firefighter availability always an issue, but manageable Steven Heywood News staff
Daytime emergency coverage is an ongoing concern for Peninsula fire departments, especially in Sidney, but a crop of new recruits and a mutual aid agreement with its neighbours help ensure people’s safety. Sidney Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jim Tweedhope says his department’s recent firefighter drive last fall attracted a dozen applicants. He said they will train eight of those starting this month. The basics of being a firefighter will be covered in-house, Tweedhope continued, with advanced skills and live fire training taught in Maple Ridge. The eight new recruits, should they stick with it and fill in the ranks, will help the Sidney department respond to emergency calls throughout the day. However, not all of the recruits or current firefighters are available during the day. This means more reliance upon Sidney’s four career firefighters and the mutual aid agreement between Jim Tweedhope them, the North Saanich and Central Saanich fire departments. “(Daytime coverage is) always an issue with volunteer fire departments,” Tweedhope said, noting people work, attend school and sometimes do those things outside of the community. “It’s a bonus if they’re available during the day,” Tweedhope said of his volunteers, “but we cannot make that connected to recruiting new firefighters.” In Sidney, Tweedhope said the department responds to an emergency call with five firefighters on a truck. Steven Heywood/News staff
PLEASE SEE: Mutual aid agreement, page 2
A pad save keeps the puck out of the net for the Cosat Yacht Sales goalie during the recent New Year’s Pee Wee 3 on 3 hockey jamboree at Panorama Leisure Centre.
Bringin' the Bayou to Sidney
mardi gras Great creole inspired food, New Orleans jazz, brass bands, dancing, casino and great fun! 9805 Seaport Place www.sidneypier.com
Kick-off Party at The Pier January 19, 2013 from 6:30pm Party the night away on Bourbon St. New Orleans style, in Sidney's very own French Quarter!
Tickets on sale now $25
Take the Elevator Home room rate of $99!