Volunteer as a Firefighter

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING

• The RDCK has 16 volunteer fire departments and 17 fire halls in the central kootenays. 
• The RDCK has a structured recruitment program for volunteer firefighters. The goal of the program is to create a regional approach to training that will see volunteers train as a cohort and ready for active duty in a quicker time frame. Under the program, the goal is to hold a recruitment drive twice a year and train the incoming volunteers at a “RDCK Fire Training Academy” before sending them off to their respective fire departments.
• All RDCK fire departments must have a minimum of 15 volunteers, but ideally that number is 20 plus per department.
• No previous experience is necessary to become a volunteer firefighter and volunteers train to professional standards.
• Volunteer firefighters are all ages, male and female, and come from many different backgrounds.
• All required personal protective equipment and training are provided—there are no out-of-pocket costs.
• Volunteers firefighters commit to a minimum 2 hours a week of training at their local fire hall.
• Volunteer firefighters receive insurance coverage through WorkSafe BC, 24 hour accident insurance coverage and  $100,000 life insurance in case of accidental death.
• The federal government provides tax credits to volunteer firefighters who serve at least 200 hours per year.
• Volunteer fire departments create infrastructure, build and improve communities, keep people safe, attract new residents and businesses, and encourage teambuilding, leadership, interpersonal skills, friendship and personal growth.
• Many departments raise money for local and provincial charities and provide Learn Not to Burn  and FireSmart  training.
• Firefighters do more than just fight fires.  They are also trained as first responders, provide swift water rescue, over embankment rescues, wildland interface protection and jaws of life extrication.

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER APPLICATION PROCESS

Now Recruiting!  Please apply here  expression of interest application

If you have any questions please reach out to FireAdmin@rdck.bc.ca

We greatly value our volunteers for giving so generously of their time to the service, their neighbours and their communities.

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