Recruiting issues force firefighters to hit the road

BY CHRISTY MARSTERS

NovaNewsNow.com

Firefighters throughout the province are banding together to discuss growing concerns about gathering new recruits before the issue becomes an emergency.

The Recruitment and Retention Committee, formed by the Nova Scotia Firefighters’ Association, plans to travel to different departments to study common issues impacting recruitment. It will stop at the Waterville and District fire station Jan.19.

Chief Wayne Johnstone, with Waterville, says his department is interested in the study because recruitment is becoming a real issue in some areas.

“This department hasn’t really put an honest drive into recruitment because our numbers are up,” Johnstone said. “However, there’s a big turnover of people.”

According to a Berwick and District Volunteer Fire Department council report released last fall, many people are opting to leave the fire service and the average age of a firefighter within the province is between 50-70 years. The average time it takes to train a member is 160 hours.

New Minas Chief Jim Redmond says being a firefighter takes a huge time commitment.

“It’s harder to recruit these days because both parents within the family work and there’s so much competition for volunteering,” Redmond said. “There’s not really a lot to do for recruiting except encourage people to join.

“Firefighters get very few thanks for what they do and the only reward is helping somebody in need,” Redmond added. “I’m very appreciative of those people who do volunteer with the fire services.”

‘Never regretted my decision’

Michael Robinson, 26, is one of the volunteers with the New Minas Fire Department. He decided to join shortly after moving to the area two years ago.

“I didn’t realize what a commitment it was,” Robinson said. “But it’s worth it because you know you’re helping people. I’ve never regretted my decision to join.”

Some people aren’t sure they should join because they’re worried they might be thrown into something they can’t handle, but many jobs need to be done on the fire ground and it isn’t all about fighting flames, Robinson said.

“Fundraising is also an important part because without money the trucks won’t run,” he said.

Being a firefighter provides a positive learning experience and valuable training, Robinson said. “I’d encourage those interested to come out to a practice.”

Aylesford Chief Jack Young says it’s harder to find people to volunteer in his department because many are working out of the area during the day.

Most of those who volunteer in Aylesford are older, Young said, and finding new recruitment has definitely been an issue. “But I think there’s a good future for the fire departments if more young people can get involved.”