LEDUC COUNTY
Interested in becoming a
firefighter?
C COUN DU T
E SE VICE R
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F
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FIRE SERVICES
www.leduc-county.com
Leduc County Fire Services is committed to providing fire and rescue services to all residents within Leduc County. We strive to provide the most effective and efficient service and delivery system, implemented by capable staff and a selfless group of dedicated on-call firefighters. Participating as a member of our service brings personal rewards, builds self-confidence and gives a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It also benefits the community at large, as this valuable service has the potential to directly impact all members of the community.
If you believe you have what it takes to meet the challenges of Leduc County Fire Services, you are invited to submit your application. For more information, please contact: Coordinator of Volunteer Services Leduc County Fire Services 780-955-7099
Service as an on-call firefighter requires a serious commitment. The decision to join us should not be taken lightly or made hastily. We hope that once you understand the required commitment, you will find you are able to fulfill that commitment and become a firefighter with Leduc County Fire Services. We also welcome individuals to join our department to offer skills in the fire prevention, youth programming and radio communications areas. The service provided by our firefighters is truly valuable to our community and we hope you will become a member of our team and see this impact first-hand. Sincerely, Darrell Fleming, Fire Chief
commitment
We are here and prepared for one reason:
to provide exceptional service to the people of Leduc County
Volunteer firefighters have been the backbone of the fire service for more than 200 years. Over time, the need for volunteers and volunteerism has grown. The men and women acting in a volunteer capacity work hard and sacrifice a great deal to provide a valuable service to their communities. Leduc County Fire Services relies on its on-call firefighters and maintains a quality program to support individuals who give their time and dedication. Imagine having the opportunity to train for emergency response to situations such as a building fire, a hazardous chemical spill, a heart attack, a motor vehicle collision and almost any imaginable emergency situation in between. These diverse challenges are met by the commitment of firefighters who respond to calls day or night, in rain or snow and under potentially stressful and emotional circumstances. This opportunity is not for everyone. Leduc County Fire Services calls on its members to perform hot, sweaty, dirty and strenuous work, often in uncertain and hazardous environments. You need
more than just a desire to help people and give back to the community. On-call firefighters need courage, dedication, assertiveness and a willingness to learn new skills and face new challenges.
The fire and rescue service is not for the meek or timid, nor is it for those who tend to lose control of their emotions during times of crisis.
The personal rewards and satisfaction gained as a member of the fire and rescue service are often beyond comprehension. Accomplishment, compassion and fulfillment are only a few of the words firefighters use to describe their feelings about the profession. The bottom line in the fire and rescue business is measured by the pain, suffering, loss of life and property damage that has been prevented and reduced. This is what drives men and women to become on-call firefighters with Leduc County Fire Services.
sacrifice
Leduc County’s firefighters demonstrate:
determination excellence dedication commitment leadership teamwork
Nisku Fire Station In 1976, the Nisku Fire Department was formed to protect businesses in the newly-created Nisku Industrial Business Park as well as to protect infrastructure at the Edmonton International Airport. Leduc County constructed a fire station and volunteer firefighters were recruited and trained for fire protection. The Nisku Industrial Business Park has grown and is presently the largest park of its kind in Canada, with the airport becoming one of the busiest and largest airports in Canada. The neighbouring rural community served by the Nisku Fire Department has also grown significantly with continued residential and farming development, creating increased traffic volume through the Nisku area. Response from the Nisku Fire Department is unique due to the diversity of the response area, which includes residential, industrial and rural subdivisions, the Edmonton International Airport and major highways.
New Sarepta Station In 1996, Leduc County was asked to take over operations of the former New Sarepta Rural Fire Association. In January 1997, the New Sarepta Fire District assumed the assets of the previous association and began responding to fire emergencies under the direction of Leduc County. To better serve the needs of the district, a new fire station was built and officially opened in New Sarepta on May 8, 1999. In 2007, after recognizing a need for more space, Leduc County completed an expansion to the station. The continued population growth in the eastern part of the county, along with the increased traffic through the area, has forced this department to adapt over the years. Working together, the county and members of the New Sarepta Fire Department continue to evaluate the ongoing changes, while striving to maintain a quality response to all types of emergencies.
leadership
Council Fire Services Committee County Manager
Fire Chief Administrative Assistant
Coordinator of Volunteer Services
Deputy Chief of Inspections and Investigations
Deputy Chief of Operations
Fleet and Equipment Maintenance Coordinator Emergency Vehicle Technician
Nisku District Fire Chief
Emergency Vehicle Technician/Mechanic
New Sarepta District Fire Chief
New Sarepta Crew One Captain Lieutenant Four firefighters
Training Officer
New Sarepta Crew Two Captain Lieutenant Four firefighters
New Sarepta Crew Three Captain Lieutenant Four firefighters
Nisku Crew One Captain Lieutenant Eight firefighters
Nisku Crew Two Captain Lieutenant Eight firefighters
Nisku Crew Three Captain Lieutenant Eight firefighters
Nisku Crew Four Captain Lieutenant Eight firefighters
teamwork
Over the past two decades, there have been many societal and economical changes. As a result, the municipal fire service has had to respond by rethinking its operations. The old philosophy of traditional firefighting practices being timeless is no longer valid: firefighting management, firefighting standards and firefighting practice must adapt to ever-changing circumstances. No longer is it sufficient for firefighters to respond to a fire by merely pouring ‘the wet stuff on the red stuff.’ Energyefficient buildings have resulted in hotter fires. Lightweight construction practices have led to early failure of roof and floor truss systems. Firefighters must continually evaluate and learn new techniques to be able to extinguish fires safely within the building rather than from outside. Over the years, the fire service has evolved into a public safety agency providing highly technical and diverse services. The general public has come to rely on the fire service as the ‘first responder’ not only when life and property are threatened by man-made and natural emergencies and disasters, but for seemingly smaller problems as well.
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The commitment on-call firefighters make to our fire service is a serious one. The decision should not be made lightly or hastily, as the time and effort required of each member is vital to the success of our fire service.
It is imperative that Leduc County firefighters maintain high skill levels. On-call firefighters can anticipate being called upon any time of the day or night, 365 days of the year, to perform emergency medical aid, to extricate victims from motor vehicle collisions, to deal with incidents involving dangerous goods or to rescue individuals from confined spaces.
courage
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Leduc County Fire Services supports ongoing training for its firefighters to maintain high competency levels and to be prepared to respond to the diverse needs and emergencies of the region. The county’s training program adheres to the training standards outlined by the National Fire Protection Association to achieve professional firefighter qualifications. Prior to responding to emergency calls, firefighters must successfully complete Leduc County’s basic rookie course. Training is provided at no cost to the firefighters, however, the firefighters volunteer their time to attend. It is imperative that all firefighters from Leduc County Fire Services attend drill training on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. This training is designed to continually improve the performance of our firefighters, as well as to maintain the high skill levels required within our departments. Advanced training opportunities are available to each member. These training opportunities are posted for members to indicate their interest.
24-hour on call Leduc County Fire Services relies on its on-call firefighters to provide emergency response 24 hours per day. It is imperative that members are available to respond from home and/or work to fulfill this need.
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To volunteer is to choose to act in recognition of a need, going beyond what is necessary to one’s physical well-being, with an attitude of social responsibility and without concern for monetary profit. Susan J. Ellis Katherine H. Noyes
Volunteer Firefighter Association
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Each firefighter with Leduc County Fire Services is a member of the Volunteer Firefighter Association. The association promotes fellowship and camaraderie between firefighters and hosts regular events for members. The association also participates and contributes to the community with events such as the annual Muscular Dystrophy Boot Drive and holiday food hamper and gift delivery programs.
training
questions What is the cost of the required training? The required training for service with Leduc County Fire Services is provided at no charge to the firefighter. How much will I have to pay for my protective gear and uniforms? Leduc County provides all equipment and uniforms at no charge. You are simply expected to care for it in a standardized fashion. Upon resignation as an on-call firefighter, members are required to return all issued gear, uniforms and equipment. How much time will I be expected to volunteer as an active member? Each member is expected to attend drill training every Tuesday from 7 to 10 p.m. Advanced training opportunities are available to each member.
On-call firefighters are encouraged to attend as many emergency calls as possible. Over a period of one year, the Nisku Fire Department averages 280 alarms and the New Sarepta Department averages 60 alarms, of which the majority are handled in less than one hour. If I have prior fire/rescue training and experience, will it count towards Leduc County’s training requirements? In most cases, prior training can be used to meet Leduc County’s training requirements. Credit for past training depends on how current your training is, if it is recognized certification and if you can pass the training challenge examinations. Are Leduc County Fire Services on-call firefighters compensated in any way? Yes. Firefighters are compensated for drill training, maintenance and emergency calls.
Fire Services 606 21 Ave, Nisku, AB T9E 7Y1 Phone: 780-955-7099 | Fax: 780-955-9401 www.leduc-county.com
and answers Recruitment steps for interested potential firefighters: Application Security clearance Driver’s abstract Oath of Confidentiality Employer consent Standard personal interview Training night attendance Pre-orientation Physical agility test Standard orientation Meeting with assigned mentor