A firefighter recruitment drive is underway for the Columbia Valley and Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Services and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is appealing to residents to consider stepping forward to become part of the team.

“Our fire departments play a critical role in our communities, and we wouldn’t be able to provide the services we do without the dedicated firefighters we have on our team,” said Elk Valley & South Country Fire Chief Michael Hockley (pictured above). “Our annual recruitment drive is on now and we are looking for new members to join our team to help ensure our fire services remain strong.”

The RDEK has fire departments in Jaffray, Baynes Lake, Elko, and Hosmer, Fairmont Hot Springs, Windermere, Edgewater, and Panorama.

“No experience is needed to join. We provide the training, and we support new recruits through the learning process. The only requirement is an interest in helping your community and a commitment to training,” said Columbia Valley Rural Fire Rescue Service Chief Drew Sinclair.

Application forms are available on the RDEK’s website and at the Fire Halls.

“There are many benefits to joining a department, including incredible personal and leadership development, lifesaving first aid skills, and the reward of knowing you are helping your community,” added Sinclair. “In addition, our firefighters receive on-call pay and are eligible for extended benefits.”

Anyone looking for more information can contact the Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Service at 250-429-3133 or the Columbia Valley Rural Fire Rescue Service at 250-342-6214.

The Columbia Valley and Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Services firefighter recruitment drive ends October 31.

For more information, visit www.rdek.bc.ca.

RDEK file photos

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