Armstrong Township council has given its nod of approval to the fire department to contract the company Firehouse Training to provide certification training for its firefighters.
Certification is required before July 1, 2026, or firefighters cannot continue to provide services after that date.
Fire department leaders met with Armstrong council April 30 to outline the reasons they feel that contracting Firehouse Training to provide certification training is the best option for the department.
Training officer Alaya Robert said that although in-house training appears to be the cheaper option, it has serious limitations, logistical issues, and would be far less reliable and less efficient.
"We've spoken to other departments trying to go this route (of in-house training) and they're struggling," said Robert.
Because of those the challenges, she said that contracting Firehouse Training would be worth the investment.
"It offers a complete training program with certified instructors with real-world full-time firefighting experience," she said.
Firehouse Training would come to the community, she continued.
"It takes place over three weekends throughout the year."
She said in-house training "might appear cheaper but only if we ignore the time, the stress, the risk of failure, and the potential consequence of an under-prepared team."
Approving Firehouse Training is "the most effective, reliable way to meet a provincial mandate to keep our team safe and to ensure our firefighters are trained to the highest possible standard."
DRAWN FROM RESERVE
Funding of $40,300 plus HST has been approved by council to be withdrawn from the reserve for the fire department, which is included in the township's budget.
This will provide certification training for 13 firefighters.
"There's no price tag that can be placed on proper training when it comes to firefighter safety," said Robert.
She said the Armstrong firefighters are dedicated, capable and passionate.
"They've put in the work and they deserve to receive training from professionals who can come and help take us to the next level."
Councillor Reynald Rivard questioned what is in the fire department reserve and was advised by chief administrative officer Dan Thibeault that the reserve had around $87,000 at the end of last year.
While council approved contracting Firehouse Training, they also requested a written outline from the fire department for their reasons in choosing the service over providing in-house training, or using the Ontario Fire College.
Thibeault noted that council had the authority to override its requirement for obtaining three quotes when contracting out for services.
Incentives to firefighters taking part in the program were also discussed, but council has asked to have that subject brought back to council for review at a later date.