Firefighter Recruitment

Successful completion of a 42 question Aptitude Test (max 45 minutes) is a requirement for the shortlisted interview candidates.

Successful completion of the Physical Agility Tests is a requirement for the short-listed interview candidates. This test is comprised of a series of 8 tests. Each of the 8 tests are evaluated. Except for the tread water and hydraulic tool carry, all tests are done in full firefighting gear including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Additional training includes obtaining a class DZ license (paid for by the municipality), medical training, mental wellness, Occupational Health & Safety Act awareness and fire prevention and public education awareness. Once you have successfully completed all the required recruit training and obtained your DZ license, you will then move into the department’s regular pre-scheduled ongoing training program. Failure to obtain the DZ license within your probationary period will terminate your employment as a volunteer firefighter.

Once certified in your first step as a Level 1 firefighter, an initial one-year probationary period begins in order to evaluate job performance, attendance and suitability as a volunteer firefighter. As a Level 1 firefighter you will have the opportunity to practice your skills under restricted emergency response conditions.

Health, Fitness, and Behaviour

A commitment to maintaining a regular fitness regime and monitoring your personal wellness is key to ensuring firefighter safety and longevity. It is important that you have the strength, stamina and cardiovascular conditioning to take on the physical challenges of the volunteer firefighter role. Ethical behaviour and accountability must be part of your nature. Taking ownership and responsibility for your actions is vital to success.

If scheduled for an interview, you must provide the following documents at that meeting:

• A Doctor’s Note (at your expense) stating the words “you are fit for firefighting duties”.
• A Vulnerable Sector Search (at your expense) from the OPP detachment in Belle River
• A Driver’s Abstract (at your expense) for your driver’s license number from a Service Ontario location (one in Belle River) or obtainable on-line

Availability: It is understood that family and work schedules may “occasionally” impact your availability for firefighting. The demands and expectations placed on a volunteer firefighter will at times effect and disrupt your personal life. You may be called upon at any time of day, any day of the week, and in any kind of weather to work as a team to solve someone else’s difficult situation.

This role requires commitment, compassion, dedication to fellow firefighters, and above all a desire to serve your community. The rewards of being a volunteer firefighter outweigh the demands of the position. The municipality is seeking individuals dedicated to committing the time required to continue the high level of service provided by the Lakeshore Fire Department.

Training and equipment checks are pre-scheduled each month with an expectation you will attend. Emergencies can occur at any time and when at work, we know you can’t get there. Firefighter participation is tracked and compared to other fire district staff member attendance and then further compared against the overall 5 station averages.

Time commitments:

• Pre-scheduled monthly time commitments (approx. 8 hrs total) include:
  • 2 monthly training sessions each 2 to 3 hours long
  • 1 monthly equipment check lasting around 2 hours
• Un-scheduled emergency response varies depending on the fire district and your availability:
  • Station 1 – around 230 calls per year (estimated 230 hours)
  • Station 2 – around 55 calls per year (estimated 55 hours)
  • Station 3 - around 145 calls per year (estimated 145 hours)
  • Station 4 – around 50 calls per year (estimated 50 hours)
  • Station 5 – around 71 calls per year (estimated 71 hours)
• Annual emergency response call volumes are subject to change and variation. Your Pre-scheduled Fire Prevention/Public Education Activities vary throughout the year during weekdays and weekends and are dependent on the number of staff required and your availability. Programs like door-to-door smoke alarm checks, fire prevention week school visits, parades and other public events require firefighter participation.

A stipend (no honorarium) is provided for the 200-hour recruit training and certification process. Another compensation package applies for emergency response, training and equipment checks after obtaining NFPA 1001 Level 1 and 2 certifications. The department has a VFIS Accident and Sickness Program Policy and provides maximum WSIB insurance coverage. Firefighters are also provided an January 2022 2022 VFF Recruitment Package 4 annual clothing allowance for fire department items, issued a dress uniform and begin a one-year probationary timeframe upon completion of the certification process.

Mental wellness plays a significant role in your experiences with the fire department. As an emergency responder you will be exposed to situations that can be both visually and mentally traumatizing. You will be provided with training tools to help you understand and cope with the symptoms of mental wellness associated with being a first responder. The department also has a peer support team that can assist you including access to a formal employee assistance program.

The department has a strong safety culture where adherence to operating guidelines, use of personal protective equipment and watching out for one another is expected to ensure a safe working environment. Firefighters are required to wear a pager that alerts you to calls when you’re fit (both mentally and physically) and available for duty.

You must have a smart phone with an active data plan for use when paged for emergencies and attending training and hall duties.

Job fit/suitability is one of many critical factors considered in our decision-making processes. Completion and/ or passing all steps in the recruitment process does not ensure a position on the department. If at any point in the process the required competencies are not met, you will not proceed to the next step.

Most importantly, consult with your significant other and family members to discuss the volunteer firefighter commitment you are considering. There is a significant time obligation to get through the first year of training and testing to become a firefighter. Then, twice monthly training, equipment checks, public education activities and emergency response become the normal expectations. Emergencies are not planned and can happen on holidays, in the middle of the night and on special occasions. Do you have the time and just as important, the support of your family to be a volunteer firefighter?