In Tiny Township, just one applicant has put their name in to become a volunteer firefighter according to the municipal fire department; Tay Township has just three applicants.
The comment and request for more applicants came during a promotion for the upcoming information sessions of five North Simcoe fire departments at the recent Tiny Township council meeting.
At 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Wyevale fire station, located at 817 County Road 6 South, the first of two joint information sessions will be held to provide interested members of the community an opportunity to learn more about what it takes to become a volunteer firefighter.
According to Tiny Township emergency services director/fire chief Dave Flewelling, “Tay could use in the range of 12 new hires and we in Tiny could hire 18 currently.”
“We train new hires from the ground up. New hires will finish their training with the same certifications as a career firefighter. Great people, a sense of pride and fun serving your community.”
From the recent council meeting, Mayor Dave Evans gave high praise for those dedicating their time to help out their fellow residents.
“We applaud and commend the efforts of these over-100 volunteers that we have in our township, that take time from their regular schedules at the worst time,” said Evans. “The role that these people play in our community – men and women – is essential, integral, and is the ultimate form of giving.”
Coun. Steffen Walma, a member of the Tiny Township fire department, extended appreciation for the praise on behalf of the department.
“Currently in Tiny Township, we have one application to become a new firefighter within the township,” Walma stated.
“We always struggle with recruitment; retentions are issues with (personnel at) new volunteer fire departments. Some of it is because it is a big commitment but some of it is also, I think, a lack of knowledge of what the position is and entails.
“When I started, I knew zero – absolutely nothing – about firefighting. Tiny Township fire department will train you from the ground up. As long as you have a high school degree (and live within 15 minutes of a fire hall), we want you,” Walma said.
In his pitch, Walma noted that probationary firefighters are compensated at approximately $16-per-hour with first-class firefighters compensated for $22-per-hour, although there are no regular hours. He added that the social aspect of making life-long friends was another reason why he continued to perform the volunteer position.
“If you have even thought about it remotely for a second, please reach out,” said Walma.
While there was a comment from Evans that age could be a concern, Walma humourously countered: “You made the comment that your firefighting days may be done, but we want people on the trucks until they’re 65; so you could still come out.”
The second information session will be held at the Midland fire hall at 550 Bayshore Drive on Saturday, September 14 at 9 a.m.
North Simcoe’s five fire departments include Midland, Penetanguishene, and the townships of Georgian Bay, Tay and Tiny. Application deadlines for the volunteer positions will conclude at 4 p.m. on September 27.
On October 10 at 7 p.m., an aptitude appraisal is scheduled to be conducted at the Tay Township Station 2, located at 2201 Old Fort Road. A physical testing by appointment will occur on October 26 at the Tiny Township Station 2 in Wyevale at 817 County Road 6 South.