Firefighters

Become a paid on-call firefighter

The Municipality of North Cowichan is the largest municipality in the Cowichan Valley. North Cowichan has fire halls located in Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay, and South End which are entirely staffed by trained and dedicated paid on-call firefighters (POC).

  • North Cowichan recruits firefighters twice each year: in early spring, and in early fall.

Being a paid on-call firefighter is a rewarding but demanding role. POC firefighters are your neighbours and your coworkers, and represent all walks of life that respond 24/7 when paged to attend emergencies such as fires, motor vehicle incidents, and medical emergencies in our community.

  • Paid on-call firefighters are paid to attend weekly training at a one of North Cowichan’s four fire halls, and when called to respond to emergencies.

Requirements:

  • At least 19 years of age
  • Resident of North Cowichan
  • Current Class 5 non-restricted driver's licence
  • Driving record that demonstrates safe and responsible driving behaviour
  • In good physical condition and able to successfully complete agility test
  • Criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check
  • Able to attend all scheduled training sessions
  • Be able to function in the dynamic and fast paced emergency services environment.

Considered an asset:

  • Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 driver's licence
  • Air brake endorsement
  • Fire related courses, such as NFPA 1001 Level II, NFPA 1002, NFPA 472
  • Post-secondary education
  • Technical or trade certificate
  • Advanced first aid training
  • Previous fire or emergency services experience
  • Able to respond to daytime emergency calls

Training

Training takes place weekly from 7pm to 9pm at one of the fire halls:

  • Chemainus: Thursday
  • Crofton: Wednesday
  • Maple Bay: Thursday
  • South End: Wednesday

Fire training consists of theoretical and practical elements found in the National Fire Protection Associated 1001 Standard; this training is recognized nationally. Members also go through First Responder medical training and supplement BC Ambulance responses as required.

How to apply

If you are interested in joining the North Cowichan Fire Department, first meet with the Chief or Station Chief of your local hall to find out more about the commitment required and to have your questions answered. Drop in to one of the training nights, call 250-746-3107 or email fire@northcowichan.ca to learn more and see if being a paid on-call firefighter with the North Cowichan Fire Department is right for you.

 

 

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