Would you like a challenging and rewarding volunteer activity?
The Municipality of Cumberland seeks volunteers to join the Volunteer Fire Service.
The fourteen volunteer fire departments throughout the County are organizations dedicated to saving lives and protecting property through fire prevention, suppression and public education. We are committed to continuous learning and superior customer service. If you like helping people, and appreciate continuous learning; you may be an ideal candidate for a position as a volunteer firefighter.
How do I apply to become a volunteer firefighter?
- You can pick up an application from your local fire station or from the Municipality of Cumberland Offices located at 1395 Blair Lake Road, Upper Nappan. You will be contacted about your application.
- Submit the Application Form with the following attachments:
- Driver's Abstract (With Receipt)
- Criminal Records Check (With Receipt)
- Photocopy Of Driver's License Front & Back
- 3 References
- Interview
- Medical Assessment
Any Questions, Please Contact Fire Service Coordinator at (902) 667-3305 or
I went to my nearest station but nobody was there. What should I do now?
Contact the Cumberland Fire Service Coordinator at (902) 667-3305 with the information supplied above.
What will be expected of me as a volunteer firefighter?
- On average, 25-35 hours per month of training, emergency responses, meetings
- New recruits successfully complete Basic Firefighting training or equivalent to position
- Volunteer firefighters work in stressful and emotional circumstances and conditions.
What are the benefits of being a volunteer firefighter?
- Your basic training is provided by the Municipality of Cumberland
- Serving your community
- Developmental opportunities
- Meeting people
- Being on a team
- Personal reward, excitement
What a Volunteer Firefighter Does
The Volunteer firefighter performs firefighting duties and other related work as required. This is manual work of a hazardous nature involving the fighting of fires, salvage, rescue work, and first aid. Firefighters may be required to make decisions and work without supervision until an Officer arrives at the scene.
- Responds to fire, rescue, and other emergencies as assigned.
- Handles fire hoses and directs fire streams.
- Operates a pressure pump as assigned.
- Drives fire apparatus as assigned.
- Carries and puts up and climbs the ladder.
- Operates rescue equipment.
- Performs salvage work at fire and emergency scenes.
- Performs ventilation by making openings in buildings, using exhaust fans or fog streams.
- Enters burning or contaminated buildings, structures, and other areas to perform rescues and/or fight fires while wearing required clothing and safety equipment.
- Provides first aid to the injured.
- Assists in cleaning and preparing firefighting equipment to in-service status upon return to the station after an emergency call or a practice.
- Attends regular training sessions to practice procedures and to learn firefighting and rescue methods.
- Cleans and maintains areas of the fire station used by the members as scheduled.
- Assists with the fire prevention program.
- Other duties as assigned
Technical Skills
- Must possess a valid driver’s license, minimum Class 5.
- Apparatus drivers will hold an Air Brake endorsement on their driver's license.
Behavioural Competencies
- Communication
- Customer Service
- Flexibility
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Valuing Diversity
Other
- Ability to get along well with others
- Willingness to perform tasks as assigned
- Conscientious and dependable
- Ability to pass Department medical
Working Conditions
- Expected to respond to and work in all types of weather under less-than-ideal conditions
- Monitors radio communications for response area and responds to emergency calls on a 24-hour basis
- May involve entering hazardous atmospheres and areas at some personal risk
- Expected to work in a safe manner - in accordance with all applicable Acts, Regulations, Policies
- Must have the ability to endure mental and physical stress associated with emergency situations in difficult environments
- Must be able to meet minimum physical demands required of this position
- Extra time - evenings and weekends to attend training sessions, meetings as well as other functions