LABRADOR CITY FIRE RESCUE

Transcription

1 LABRADOR CITY FIRE RESCUE APPLICATION PACKAGE For VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS REVISED

2 Labrador City Fire - Rescue Information for Volunteer Firefighter Applicants You are considering joining one of the premiere fire departments of not only our province, but all of Canada. In our forty-five plus years, the more than 110 past and present men and women have protected the people and property of our community. This Department has been recognized for our effectiveness in carrying out our firefighting responsibilities, the high standards of our training and the support that we provide to various groups and charities within our community, province and country. You need to know and understand that your involvement as a part of the fire and rescue service will be a very diverse and challenging endeavor. However, it is not for everyone. Labrador City Fire Rescue provides a professional standard of service from a membership of highly trained and motivated firefighters. While the commitment may be extensive, so can the rewards. If you believe you have that commitment as well as time, skills, physical ability and desire to achieve the satisfaction of a job well done, you are invited to please read on. This information package will give you insight to the job of the modern firefighter and to the requirements and dedication needed to meet the many challenges that need to be overcome. Why Become a Volunteer Firefighter? Being a firefighter is a very challenging, satisfying and rewarding experience. Period! Our pagers work in plus 35 degree heat and in minus 40 degree cold where the wind chill can be minus 100, and they are turned on 24/7. When you respond to a call on a moments notice with the other members of the Department to help your neighbor, you cannot help but develop a camaraderie with those people. It is a camaraderie that is experienced when you have the opportunity to visit other fire departments through out the world. This camaraderie is a big part of being a firefighter. One of the biggest benefits of becoming a volunteer firefighter is the enormous amount of training provided. Training provided to the firefighters is not just applicable to firefighting; it is useful in all aspects of a person s life, including other occupations and home life. Some of the training offered to our volunteer firefighters includes: $ Firefighting and Rescue Skills $ W.H.M.I.S. and Transportation of Dangerous Goods $ Defensive Driving and heavy truck operations $ First Aid, A.E.D. and Oxygen Administration $ Leadership $ Fire Extinguisher use $ Operation of hydraulic rescue tools $ Fire Prevention and Education $ Electrical and power line hazards 1

3 $ Hazardous Materials $ Operation of hand and power tools $ Confined Space and Rope Rescue $ Operation of fire pumps and water systems $ Problem solving About Labrador City Fire - Rescue Labrador City Fire Rescue is responsible for providing to the residents of our community, an effective service dedicated to the protection of life, property and environment. These responsibilities are met by providing fire prevention and suppression services, public education, hazardous materials response, rescue and first aid. While our primary responsibilities are within the town s boundaries, we often provide first response or mutual aid to other agencies between the Quebec border to as far as Churchill Falls. The Department had its beginnings in 1962 when it purchased a 1961 GMC 650 GPM pumper. At that time, only supervisors with the Iron Ore Company of Canada could be members of the Department. In 1972, the Department began recruiting members other than IOCC supervisors. In 1974, the first paid fire chief was hired and over time, a number of full time employees. Today, Labrador City Fire Rescue is a composite department, meaning that it utilizes both paid and volunteer firefighters, and is unique to that all the paid firefighters are also volunteer firefighters who respond to all calls when they are not working. Four of the career firefighters man the station 24/7 and are responsible to take emergency calls, alert the volunteers through the pager system and then respond with the appropriate emergency vehicle. They are also responsible to ensure that the equipment is ready for use. The fifth firefighter assumes the responsibilities of shift firefighters when they are on vacation or medical leave. The fifth firefighter is also responsible for Fire Inspections and Fire Prevention. In addition to the Fire Chief there are two Deputy Chiefs and one Superintendent and they are the Department s Senior Officers. The department usually consists of four crews that each has a Captain, a Lieutenant and six firefighters. The Department members take part in a number of specialty teams or Divisions. The Divisions are Drill Team, Training, Hazmat Response and we are considering a SCUBA Diving Division. The Department is located in the Municipal Building on Hudson Drive. The equipment we have are: $ 1990 GMC 840 GPM pumper with 1000 gal water tank. $ 1995 GMC 840 GPM pumper with 500 gal water tank and 30 gal foam $ 2004 Sterling Rescue truck $ 2005 Ford FC pickup $ Hazmat trailer $ Rescue Alive water rescue sled. Our Department responds to approximately 70 calls per year. 2

4 Duties and Expectations of a Volunteer Firefighter While Labrador City is a small community, the nature of the calls can be as varied as any big city. We have had our share of serious fires, vehicle accidents and water rescues in our 45-year history. We must be able to respond to any and all types of emergencies. To be safe and effective in our response and duties, attendance at training sessions is the most significant commitment that a member must be able to make. It is recognized that firefighters may not be able to attend all training sessions or respond to all emergencies. Firefighters, who are unable to honor a reasonable commitment, will be asked to resign. Under NO circumstances will firefighters be allowed to attend emergency calls and training sessions under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Training Sessions: To meet the ever changing demands of new techniques and the time proven methods of the fire service, members meet Monday evenings starting at 6:30 PM for training that may last as much as three hours. Frequently, special training sessions are scheduled on other days and weekends to cover new and changing topics. Responding to calls: When available, members can be called on to provide the following services: Fire suppression: $ Structural Firefighting $ Vehicle Firefighting $ Wildland Firefighting $ Flammable Liquid and Compressed Gas leaks or fires $ Provide mutual aid with other agencies Rescue: $ Auto extrication at Motor Vehicle Accidents $ Rescuing entrapped people from: Fire, Collapsed Buildings, Machinery, Confined spaces, Rope rescue and a variety of other situations. $ Provide water and ice rescue. Hazardous Materials Response: $ Responding to hazardous materials incidents that occur between the Quebec border and Churchill Falls. Fire Prevention/Public Education: $ Providing fire safety education to the public $ Participating in Fire Prevention Week activities. $ Fundraising for several designated charities $ Assist various local organizations with their activities 3

5 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Required Qualifications: 1. Be between the age of 19 years and 40 years. 2. Resident of Labrador City 3. Available to attend training sessions 4. Legally entitled to work in Canada 5. Newfoundland and Labrador Class 5 Driver s Licence with Air Brake endorsement 6. Good Driving Record (A recent Driver s Abstract will be required.) 7. No criminal or summary convictions that would adversely affect public trust. A Certificate of Good Conduct issued by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary will be required. 8. Good physical and mental health is an absolute necessity. 9. Ability to respond at all hours 10. A reliable and available vehicle 11. Hearing must be normal without aids. 12. Have good eyesight and color recognition. 13. Understand the stress, duties and responsibilities involved in responding to all types of emergencies Preferred Qualifications: 1. Class 3 Driver s Licence with Air Brake Endorsement 2. Previous Firefighting experience 3. Paramedic or First Aid training and experience 4. Construction or building experience 5. Qualified trades persons, electrician, mechanic etc. 6. Experience operating heavy equipment or driving commercial vehicles Things To Consider Before Applying Time Commitment: Prospective members must be fully aware of the time commitment required to be a member of this department. There is a large base of knowledge and skills that must be acquired and maintained to be a firefighter. All new recruits are placed on probation for one year. In that time, they are expected to learn and meet the criteria for new firefighters that have been set by the Office of the Fire Commissioner. It is also an opportunity for the Department to consider your dedication and commitment as well as your ability to work and get along with the other members of the Department. Fires and emergencies do not follow a schedule or stop during holidays. Although there is no mandatory schedule as to when volunteers must be available there is a constant need for volunteers, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Obviously a person can t be available all the time and you are not expected to be. Volunteer firefighters are expected to be available to respond to calls as often as their time will permit. We receive many calls for small fires and false alarms and this will have a tendency to challenge a firefighter s commitment, but firefighters must respond to all calls. Time has proven that calls that were thought to be a small fire or a false alarm were not. 4

6 It is very important to discuss with your family the significance of your commitment. You will find that on the way to the grocery store that the pager will go off. It will go off when you are sitting down for supper, heading out to the playground, on the way to the camp or just about to get in the shower. Safety: There is no compromise when it comes to the matter of firefighter safety. The work and duties are dangerous. These are lessened by the application of very stringent safety procedures and regulations that cover every aspect of firefighting. Through training and practice along with the safety procedures, firefighters are no more likely to be injured while firefighting than doing any other similar strenuous tasks. It is the unknown that increases the risk factor for firefighters. It is also through training and practice at the fire hall and training grounds, that many of the unknown risks will be lessened or eliminated. While all efforts are made to make firefighting as safe as possible, there is still the element of risk in becoming a firefighter. You must consider and understand these risks and you are encouraged to discuss them with your family. There are many situations that you may have to face as a firefighter and they include: $ working at heights or in confined spaces $ working around lakes, rivers and other bodies of water $ working around unknown chemicals and materials $ situations that involved seriously injured or deceased people, including children and in a small community, the likely hood of knowing these persons increases. Selection Process Application Forms: Application forms and information packages are available from the Fire Department, the Department s web site ( or the Town s web site ( Completed application forms may be dropped off at the Fire Department or mailed to: Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment, Labrador City Fire - Rescue, P. O. Box 280, Labrador City, NL, A2V 2K5. The application will be reviewed by the Fire Chief and the President of Labrador City Volunteer Firefighters Association. These persons have the responsibility of ensuring that the applicant meets the criteria that will be set by the Department. Their responsibility is not only to the residents of the Town and other Department members, but also the applicant. They will evaluate the applications based on how the applicants meet the Department s requirements such as availability, related training and life experience Applicants, who are being considered for membership, then will be given an opportunity to attend a scheduled information session for selected applicants. At this time, more specific responsibilities will be outlined to you, a more in-depth description of your training program and an explanation of the requirements that will be expected of you. 5

7 If an applicant is ready to make the commitment, each applicant will then undergo an interview with the Chief and the President. The interview will consist of a pre-determined series of questions covering areas such as employment, experience, related skills, availability, interpersonal skills and stress management. Successful applicants will be contacted and informed as to when training will begin. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing by mail. Recruit Training: Basic training - All selected recruits will be given a three month recruit-training program regardless of any previous training and experience. This will be an opportunity for the recruit to demonstrate their training and experience. It will also allow the Department to evaluate that training and experience and the interest and dedication of the recruit as well as their ability to learn and interact with other Department members. Probation period - After successfully completing the basic training, recruits will be placed on probation for an additional nine months. They will be issued a pager and will begin to respond to calls. During this period, they will be continued to be evaluated by the Fire Chief and members of the Department. After successfully completing the probation period, the recruit will receive a final evaluation that will take into consideration issues such as performance, attendance, skill acquisition, as well as attitude and ability to interact with other Department members. This evaluation will determine whether the recruit will be accepted as a regular Department member, asked to complete an additional probation period or will be denied membership with the Department. What We Can Do For You A place and time to be every Monday evening Advancing and expanding your knowledge in first aid, Haz-mat, fire suppression, rescue Guarantee of interrupted sleep New friends, coming from diversified background Guarantee of interrupted meals and family plans Feeling of accomplishment where you are truly helping people Firefighting, rescue, fire prevention Sore, achy muscles Improve your driving abilities and skills Hepatitis "B" Vaccination Your quarterly Honorarium Talk to 200 young kids at a time Wear a sharp looking uniform Amaze yourself in your ability to learn and do new things Be a member an International Brotherhood / Sisterhood 6

8 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Q. If I have prior fire/rescue experience will it count toward the training requirements? A. It will likely reduce the amount of time required to master the skills but due to differences in procedures and equipment all members must complete the training in order to demonstrate proficiency that will meet our standards Q. What if I get injured at a fire? A. Volunteer Firefighters are covered by workers compensation when working for the Fire Department. The Town also provides an additional insurance policy for its firefighters. Q. Is there a social aspect to the Fire Department? A. Definitely. Members of the Department automatically become members of the Labrador City Firefighters Association whose mandate is to promote social activities and well being of the members. Firefighters belong to a worldwide family where other firefighters are considered to be and are called brothers and sisters. Q. Is there any pay for being a volunteer? A. Volunteers will be given an annual honorarium of one thousand dollars, a quarter of which is issued four times a year. These funds are being offered to help cover expenses and losses that you may incur while responding to emergencies and training. Whenever possible, the Town will provide snow clearing for the members. Due to significant amount of information contained in this document, you may wish to learn more and ask further questions. Please feel free to contact the Fire Chief, any full time firefighter or volunteer firefighter to answer your questions. The Fire Station number is The information contained in this document is being offered as a guide ONLY and should be treated as such. 7

9 LABRADOR CITY FIRE - RESCUE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS 1. Volunteer Firefighters are NOT full-time employees of the Town of Labrador City. 2. A Volunteer Firefighter will provide a Certificate of Good Conduct issued by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. 3. A Volunteer Firefighter will provide an abstract of their driver s licence. 4. Only candidates tested as acceptable will be offered positions as Volunteer Firefighters based on the results of their interviews and probationary period. 5. Volunteer Firefighters are under the supervision of and take direction from, the Officer in Charge of an emergency calls or training session. 6. Volunteer Firefighters are required to participate in a reasonably high level of participation in department activities per year. If you miss three training sessions without a valid reason, you will be self terminated. 7. Volunteer Firefighters will be given a copy of the Standard Operating Procedures and Standing Orders of this Fire Department and they will be required to abide by the procedures and rules of these documents. 8. Volunteer Firefighters must know that some hair styles, facial hair or anything that will interferes with the face to face piece seal of self contained breathing apparatuses, will not be tolerated. 9. Volunteer Firefighters are covered by the Provincial Workplace Health and Safety Commission while engaged in training or responding to emergency calls. 10. Volunteer Firefighters are covered by a Municipal Insurance policy, a copy of which will be given to all Firefighters. 11. Volunteer Firefighters will receive an honorarium of $ per year, a quarter of which is issued four times per year. 12. Volunteer Firefighters are provided with required Personal Protective Clothing, a dress uniform and pagers. 13. Volunteer Firefighters will maintain the high level of professionalism and conduct that have been set by the members of the Labrador City Fire - Rescue. Volunteer Firefighters of the Department recruited before June 2007, were accepted as Volunteer Firefighters under an older and accepted standard that existed at the time of their recruitment. In the future, Volunteer Firefighters will be accepted under standards that will be reviewed and changed as the needs arise and are in place at the time of their recruitment.