Spring is (almost) in the air, and with it comes the annual fire department recruiting drive. The department is looking to attract between eight and ten new firefighters, and wants people to know that its doors are wide open for people of all types who have a desire to give back, to serve the community.
“When people are asked to describe a firefighter, they use traditional words like large, muscular, strong and brave,” said Larry Brassard, Gravenhurst Fire Chief. “And while most of these attributes are still applicable, today we also use words like thoughtful, caring, giving and empathetic to describe the ideal firefighter we want serving in Gravenhurst. Long gone is the vestige that firefighting is a male-only undertaking. Our community, our society and our mission has changed and so too has the composition of our organization. In fact, our longest serving volunteer is a woman.” The Chief noted that upwards of 20% of the department is now made up of women.
“We believe that a diverse organization is a strong organization and put that right out there for our community to see. Our recruiting guide includes a diversity statement that clearly articulates the type of person we’re looking for,” the Chief added. The guide is available on the Towns website (www.gravenhurst.ca/fire ), and provides the ability for candidates to apply for one of the available positions Online.
Every year, the department responds to roughly 250 emergencies of all types, but the job of a firefighter is much more than just fire, according to the Chief. Car crashes, hazardous chemical spills, water and ice rescue situations – all demand that firefighters train constantly and continually. “And of course, we’re involved with our community on a number of other levels. From community fund raising, public education, to just plain helping out, our firefighters are INVOLVED!”, says Brassard.
“Recruit firefighters must undergo approximately six months of intensive training just to obtain their basic qualifications, and then they train more, for the rest of their career,” said Brassard. “Town Council provides us with the best of protective clothing and equipment to do a very difficult and sometimes dangerous job. Our firefighters understand that accepting the uniform means their lives literally change. When someone answers the call and completes an application, they begin a journey that’s full of challenges and full of rewards. Are you that person?” he asks.