Why be a Volunteer Firefighter?
Over 90% Of Canada's firefighters are volunteers. High River has a long history of volunteer firefighters, and will continue to need volunteer firefighters as the Town grows. Currently the Town has a combination department of Career firefighters and volunteers. Future growth shows a need for Reserve firefighters to bolster the Full-time firefighter ranks for shift work and then volunteers to back them up for larger or multiple incidents. An average house fire requires at least 20 firefighters to safely deal with the situation.
Being a Volunteer firefighter allows you to take a very active part in your communities protection and safety. We attend many functions throughout the year promoting the department whenever we can. Be a proud volunteer firefighter and help make a difference in your community!
Opportunity for volunteer firefighters to advance into career positions are increasing every year. With The Town of High River Growing there is an ever increasing demand on the emergency services. As our career and reserve positions increase we look to our volunteers who want to advance to step up and fill these positions.
High River firefighters receive professional in house firefighter training to NFPA 1001 level 1 standards with the opportunity to further your training to Level 2 and beyond. The beautiful thing about volunteering is that you receive this training free of charge. The initial training is done on weeknights and the odd weekend. Once trained our volunteer firefighters are required to sign up for 10 - 12hr shifts per month. Shifts usually run from 7am to 7pm and then 7pm to 7am. These shifts are flexible to fit the volunteers schedule.
Who is eligible to become a volunteer firefighter?
HRFD is an equal opportunity employer. You must be at least 18 years of age, physically fit and provide a criminal record check. You must possess a valid Alberta Class 5 drivers license. The candidate is also required to have a doctors note stating that they are in good health and able to participate in Fire Fighting activities. Volunteer members are required to live in or within 5km of High River.
How many firefighters are there in High River?
There are 12 full –time members. This includes the Chief, Deputy Chief, four Captains and six firefighters with plans to add more in the near future. We have 30 valuable volunteers complement the full-time staff.
Where is the fire station?
The main fire station is located at 1010 5th Street S.E.. A second station is located at 1018 Highland Green Drive N.W. This 1460 sq. ft. building is the home of 4 volunteers during the evening hours and is staffed by 2 full time staff during the day.
If I have no training or experience, can I still apply?
YES, no experience is necessary as we will provide training for you. As a recruit with High River Fire you will be required to participate in a mandatory 5-month training program. This program is held on consecutive Tuesday evenings and must be completed prior to being given a pager. On completion of the in-house training, members are professional 1001 Level 1 certified and able to continue attending certified training courses.
How much time is involved?
Volunteer firefighters must realize that it takes quite a lot of time and commitment to reach the level of training and experience necessary for both their safety and the public's safety.
In addition to attending to emergencies, all firefighters are expected to attend regular weekly training sessions on Tuesday evening from 7pm until 9pm. Members are also required to sign up for a minimum of ten 12 hour shifts per month (7pm – 7am). High River Fire members also participate in a number of public relations events around town.
What number of calls does the district have each year?
On average, there are about 600+ calls each year, of which 35% may occur during regular business hours. The majority of calls are handled, with all units back in service within one hour. These incidents involve rescue, medical, fires, ice rescue and many more.
What other training is offered?
High River Fire is dedicated to training its members to the highest level in its quest to deliver superior service to the community. Each HRFD member is given the opportunity to attain the NFPA 1001 professional firefighter level.
Do firefighters receive compensation?
YES. An hourly wage is paid for attendance at emergencies and training nights.The remuneration is dependent on the number of certified training courses the member has successfully completed.
Why is so much time spent on training?
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 not only when life and property are threatened but for seemingly smaller problems as well. We are the "go to" people!
Are there any other benefits?
There are many benefits from becoming a volunteer firefighter. Volunteer firefighters belong to a world wide family of firefighters. Possible advancement in Fire Service. Members are challenged to grow as individuals and members of the community.
The firefighter families become members of the High River Volunteer Firefighter Association, which organizes a number of social functions each year.
How do I apply?
An application form can be obtained by calling 652-3774 or dropping by at the main station between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm, 7 days a week.