WINDSOR, N.S. — Through attrition, retirement, and people moving away, the Windsor Fire Department is on the hunt for a few dedicated volunteers to join its ranks.
Deputy fire chief Jamie Juteau and firefighter Jonathan DeMont are spearheading a recruitment drive this month in hopes of attracting some new members.
Juteau said around 10 new members are needed — and teenagers looking to see what the firefighting force is all about are welcome to sign up.
“We want to try to bolster our cadet corps,” said Juteau. “We don't have any cadets left as they've moved up into regular membership so we're trying to boost that a little bit as well as try to get a few new members in.”
The Windsor Fire Department has been quite successful over the years in retaining firefighters who start out in the junior program — at least three active members right now were cadets — and there have also been some who have become career firefighters.
Juteau said the department is looking for dedicated, hard-working individuals who want to give back to the community.
“As much as volunteer departments are volunteer departments, we have to be trained and know what we're doing as well as any career department. Fire is fire, regardless of where you're at,” said Juteau, noting the main difference would be the frequency of fires.
“We need a team player, that's for sure, and somebody that wants to learn.”
On April 16 at 6:30 p.m., the Windsor Fire Department is hosting an information session to give people a better idea of what becoming a firefighter entails.
“If people are on the fence... they can come in then. Meet the committee, tour the station, learn about what we do, what the requirements are,” said Juteau.
“At the end of the day, I think people that come in here, aren't going to regret taking that step to at least find out more information.”
DeMont recently celebrated two years with the Windsor Fire Department.
“For me, it was something I always wanted to do but for my professional life, it was always difficult to allocate the appropriate amount of time to be here and be active,” DeMont said.
DeMont, who owns DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, is a fourth-generation Windsor firefighter. He said signing up two years ago was the right time in his life to join and he's happy to be part of the local department.
“I would have liked to have done it 10 or 15 years ago but it wasn't realistic and it probably wouldn't have turned out the way I would've wanted it to,” he said.
Both DeMont and Juteau said there is a real camaraderie that comes with being part of the organization.
“It's just a fun atmosphere, great place to learn and give back. I think it's a worthwhile venture for anyone. I highly recommend it,” DeMont said.
How to apply
To learn more about the recruitment effort or the Windsor Fire Department, visit windsorfire.ca or contact Juteau at [email protected] or 902-798-2121.
Application forms, which can be downloaded online, will be available April 16 at the fire hall, which is located at 100 King St. in Windsor.
