The Stettler Regional Fire Department hosted an information night at Fire House 1. The event gave those interested in joining an overview of the department.
Stettler Regional Manager Ivan Dijkstra welcomed attendees to the information session which took place in the meeting room of the Stettler Stationhouse.
Dijkstra oversees the joint efforts of the Town and County regarding the fire department. He explained what would be presented during the course of the evening. Others on hand for the meeting, and to help answer any questions after the presentation included: Deputy Chief Etienne Brugman, Town Fire Chief Mark Dennis, and County Fire Chief Troy Auton.
Deputy Chief Brugman spoke next. Brugman, who joined the department in 1997, remarked that “there’s nothing like it” when describing what it’s like to be a part of the local fire department. He said that it was a partnership with the rest of the department. Brugman explained that ideal candidates were those who liked things such as team sports, solving puzzles, and working with their hands. He explained that you never knew what you’d be getting into because you went to scenarios few people see.
Brugman says there are about 10,000 volunteer firefighters in Alberta, and that 95 percent of the 430 stations in the province are operated by volunteers. He clarified that although the department does give some compensation for your time, you do voluntarily give your time. He also noted that members are compensated when they go on a call, as well as attend training.
He explained that the department holds a high standard for its members, largely because what its members do reflects on the whole department. Brugman says that the key things expected from firefighters are integrity, accountability, and honesty.
According to Brugman “You’re going to fess up here more than anywhere else.” Noting that this is important because it’s how both the member and the rest of the volunteers learn from mistakes. He says the standard of the local department makes him proud to be a member, and that others feel the same for themselves.
Training for the local department includes high-angle rescue, which is used for things like a rescue at the Erskine elevator. There is also training for water (including ice water) rescue and fire investigation. Brugman explained that members can train for both Levels One and Two which are governed by the National Firefighter Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA certification is recognized internationally. Brugman explains that it can take a lot of work to qualify for both levels.
Brugman continued that conditioning is important for firefighters, citing the number one cause of death for those in the business is heart failure. This is often due to members being asleep and having to answer a call, and the blood might be a little slow. This is coupled with the physical exertion of responding to a call and carrying equipment, as well as the adrenaline from being called into service. He notes that it’s important to condition yourself in steps.
Brugman notes that shift schedules are typically Monday to Monday,
Firefighters with Stettler’s department are scheduled Monday to Monday shifts. They are on-call 7p.m until 7am.
There are currently four crews so members are on-call every fourth week. They are expected to respond during that time unless they have arranged coverage for certain parts of their shift. Members are also able to respond to calls on the weeks they aren’t scheduled, if they choose. Deputy-Chief Brugman explains that the department tries to be as flexible with the schedules of members as they can.
If you have any questions about joining the volunteer fire department, you can contact Fire Chief Mark Dennis at 403-742-2083.
