Buckland Fire and Rescue is getting ready to train some new firefighters. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Public Safety

Local fire department growing its ranks

May 27, 2020 | 8:00 AM

Buckland Fire and Rescue is looking to recruit some more firefighters.

Chief Garry Schrader said they need to add some more people to the department because it can be a busier time of year.

“It’s summer time again now, some of our guys [have] been busy, they’re on holidays and stuff like that, so we just want to make sure we always have enough guys, that go to a call and are trained properly,” he said.

The department will be accepting applications until the end of the month. Schrader said so far they’ve had eight people apply and are going to be putting those people through the training process four at a time. The first group is expected to start in June. The new recruits are going through in smaller numbers so the department is in compliance with the COVID-19 health restrictions.

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The fire chief said the process for getting new firefighters trained is much more formal than it has been in the past.

“We’re doing a new way right now … we’re going to do right from start to finish, we’re doing applications, we’re doing interviews,” he said.

Schrader added the more formal training process is important as the department not only responds to fires, but are also called out to do various rescues. He added they bring in outside trainers to properly certify members.

“There’s a lot to it now,” he said.

With the new recruits getting ready to come through, Schrader said they are going to be in need of old vehicles, which they can use to train for rescues. He said anyone looking to get rid of an old car is encouraged to get in touch.

“They can donate it to us and we can get them a receipt,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn