The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department is searching for new volunteer firefighters.
On Nov. 13, a group of 21 prospective recruits attended an information night at Station 1 Huntsville led by Deputy Fire Chief Paul Calleja and other fire officials.
“Tonight’s turnout was a solid representation of people eager to join the volunteer fire service,” Calleja said.
Here’s what you need to know
Calleja said each station is looking for two-to-four new recruits, with a total of 10-12 recruits across all five stations: Huntsville (Station 1), Port Cunnington (Station 2), Hillside (Station 3), Baysville (Station 4) and Port Sydney (Station 5).
The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department is searching for new volunteer firefighters.
On Nov. 13, a group of 21 prospective recruits attended an information night at Station 1 Huntsville led by Deputy Fire Chief Paul Calleja and other fire officials.
“Tonight’s turnout was a solid representation of people eager to join the volunteer fire service,” Calleja said.
Here’s what you need to know
Calleja said each station is looking for two-to-four new recruits, with a total of 10-12 recruits across all five stations: Huntsville (Station 1), Port Cunnington (Station 2), Hillside (Station 3), Baysville (Station 4) and Port Sydney (Station 5).
“Our role here is to teach you how to do the job,” Calleja said at the information night.
Resumes and cover letters must be submitted online. Officials review resumes to match candidates with one of the five stations based on zoning regulations.
Timeline
- Nov. 30: Applications close.
- Early December: 15-minute virtual interviews.
- Mid-December: 45-minute in-person interviews.
- January 2025: HR onboarding for successful candidates.
- March–April 2025: Orientation and training begins.
By the start of fall training, recruits will have completed the Firefighter Physical Aptitude Test while wearing full protective gear weighing about 51 pounds.
“It’s very challenging, but very doable,” Calleja said.
Candidate requirements include having a Grade 12 education and a valid G driver’s licence, as well as permanently residing in Huntsville or Lake of Bays and being a Canadian citizen or having permanent residency.
“Did I mention we pay you for all this?” Calleja said to the room of potential recruits, indicating that while they may only make minimum wage, there are other benefits — those who meet the requirements are eligible for the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit.
Calleja said recruits need to mentally prepare and make sacrifices over the first year.
“You’re just going to have to drop what you’re doing and come here for anywhere from 15 minutes to six hours … We need you to show up. That’s why we’ve opened up applications. We need people to run calls,” Calleja said.
In 2024, the department started with 15 recruits and is now down to 12.
“This is not uncommon. Once people understand the scope of the commitment, it can be challenging. We try to explain that during the recruitment process, but sometimes it finally hits home once they have been asked to perform the role,” Calleja said.
The department has a 75 per cent success rate for recruits completing the programming. If recruits are unsuccessful (due to not meeting the required hours, not passing fitness testing or other reasons), they’re encouraged to try again.
Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department annual data as of Nov. 13, 2024
- 115 public education events this year.
- 860 calls across Huntsville/Lake of Bays in 2024.
- They’re seeing a 40 per cent increase in calls every 10 years and “anticipate breaking 1,000 calls by the end of the year,” Calleja said.