Join Us

As Fire Chief of the Sechelt Fire Department, I am committed to providing the most effective and efficient fire protection for our area.  You will find that participation as a volunteer member of our service will bring personal rewards and satisfaction, raise self-esteem and give you a tremendous sense of accomplishment for a job well done. It will also provide Sechelt with a valuable service that has the potential to touch us all.

 

Service as a volunteer member of our department requires a serious commitment. Your decision to join us should not be made quickly– careful consideration should be made of the many factors associated with becoming a member of the Sechelt Fire Department. This package has been developed to provide the information needed to help you understand this commitment and to assist you in making your decision.

 

Once you understand what is involved in being a volunteer member of our department, you may find that you are able to make the commitment we need. 

 

The service provided by our fire department is truly valuable to the citizens of Sechelt, and I hope you are able to contribute to our public’s safety.

 

Trevor Pike, CFO, Fire Chief

Sechelt Fire Department

If you want to join this incredible group of people, please fill out a Firefighter Application Package.

Note that all submissions must be dropped off in person at the Sechelt Fire Department.

5525 Trail Avenue, Sechelt, BC

If you have any questions, or would like to pick up an application package in person, please email chief(-at-)secheltfire.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the minimum requirements to join?

• Minimum 19 years of age
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License
• Clean Driver’s Abstract
• Criminal Record Check
• Medically cleared by your doctor
• Live within 10 minutes of the Sechelt Fire Hall

 

What is the cost of the required training and equipment?

The required equipment and training for volunteer firefighters is provided by the Department free of charge. Transportation to and from accredited additional training is funded by the Department.

 

What is the format of the volunteer training schedule?

The Recruit Training program (NFPA1001 Level II) is spread over a 52 week period. This will take place at the same time as the regular members train, Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 and over weekends as required.

 

Are volunteer firefighters paid?

Members receive remuneration for scheduled paid-on-call shifts and receive an honorarium for attending Wednesday evening practices and weekend training sessions.

 

After my initial training, how much time will I be expected to give as an active member?

The Sechelt Fire Department operates a paid-on-call model. Members will be expected to participate in an evening shift rotation that is typically two nights on, ten nights off. Members will occasionally be required to respond to emergency call outs outside of this rotation. Training attendance for new members must be maintained at 100% in the first 6 months and 60% thereafter.

 

If I have prior fire/rescue training and experience, will it count towards the departments training requirements?

Prior training will likely reduce the time necessary to develop the minimum skills that the Department looks for in its volunteer firefighters, but participation in the Annual Core Skills Review is still required in order to demonstrate your proficiency.

 

Is it possible for me to concentrate my participation and specialize in one area of Fire Department response?

All volunteer members are generalists, capable of doing any of the fire or rescue tasks that may occur at an emergency.  Specialist training is provided, but not to the exclusion of the requirement to be able to participate in all Department activities.

 

Is there a social aspect to belonging to the Fire Department?

Yes, in addition to the contribution to the community, firefighters often find a personal satisfaction in belonging to the fire community – members participate regularly in Fire department social activities such as sporting events, slow pitch, annual dinners and beach parties etc.