Volunteer firefighters say it’s a great way to give back to community

Kawartha Lakes is recruiting volunteer firefighters at all 19 stations across the municipality.

Neal Collins has been volunteering at the Bethany station for the last four years. While he had heard about the opportunity from a neighbour a few years prior, after an accident in the community, he wanted to do more to help.

“People are having probably the worst day of their lives, and all they want to do is see someone who’s wanting to help. We may not be able to fix everything, but we’re able to make their day a little bit better,” said Collins.

Working from home gives him the flexibility to be able to respond to most calls, even during the day. Collins said that while a volunteer has to be very committed to giving up some of their time, “if you’ve got a passion for helping people, if you want to make a difference, it’s definitely worth it.”

Some requirements to become a volunteer firefighter include having a Grade 12 diploma or equivalent, holding a valid class G driver’s license, obtaining and maintaining a class D license, having a positive attitude and being a team player.

Volunteers will also undergo training every month.

Mandy LaHaye’s neighbour is a station recruiter. After LaHaye’s husband started volunteering and their kids were a little older, she started volunteering for the Carden station 17 years ago.

On top of being a volunteer firefighter, LaHaye is also one of the city’s mask fitters. Every two years, everyone has to get refitted for their masks. “I go around to all the stations and individually mask fit everybody to make sure that their masks are safe and sealed and ready to put into use,” said LaHaye.

While it is a lot of work, she has found a lot of benefits to the role, including getting to know her community better. For anyone thinking about joining, “reach out to your local fire department, (or) stop into the halls and ask questions,” LaHaye said.

At the Lindsay station, Marleah Richards has been volunteering for the last five years. “I like that you are making a difference,” she says, helping to turn a bad situation into something a little better by being there for people.

Richards pointed out that not every call they respond to is fire-related, and the role encompasses more than some people think. Calls also include water rescue, medical, and hazardous material incidents. As well, volunteers also take part in monthly training and spend time in the community providing education.

Many of the volunteers have other jobs. Richards manages an electrical wholesale company. “It can be a lot to balance sometimes,” she said.

However, for some, like Neil Spivey, who has been volunteering at the Fenelon Falls station for 20 years, his day job is also a benefit. Spivey is a home builder, allowing him to understand the structure of buildings when there’s a fire.

“The nice part is that I am self-employed. I can leave when it’s something major or when our manpower is down, and we have guys that are not able to attend. I can leave my job (as needed) so that’s helpful to the hall,” Spivey said.

Now a more senior member, he enjoys being a mentor to newer volunteers. “I enjoy teaching the younger guys and helping them navigate their way through things.”

Craig Follett always wanted to be involved in firefighting in some way. For the past 21 years, he’s been a volunteer in Omemee. “Volunteering appeared to be the pathway once I established myself in my career,” he said.

Follett used to work at Ontario Power Generation doing shift work. Now retired, he’s found it much easier to manage his time. He hopes anyone thinking about becoming a volunteer understands just how much of a commitment it is. When a pager goes off and you’re available, it’s expected you’ll be at a scene no matter the time, weather or if it’s a holiday.

“If you can afford the time to step away from your family and you have that level of understanding with folks at home, then I strongly encourage it, because it’s a great way to give back to the community,” said Spivey.

Candidates will be required to complete an aptitude assessment that evaluates general knowledge, basic math and problem-solving abilities, and they are required to score at least 70 per cent. Applicants will then complete a comprehensive fitness test that must be completed in an hour. Finally, for those successful in both of these tasks, they will undergo an interview with the deputy fire chief, volunteer district chief and a representative from people services.

Applications for volunteer firefighters close on May 22. For more information on applying go to kawarthalakes.ca.