‘You get to be a glimmer of hope’: Fort Erie Fire Department seeking new firefighters

The fire department is seeking around 25 people to form a new 2025 class of volunteer firefighters.

Fort Erie Fire Department Deputy Chief Chris Smith told Fort Erie Radio that the deadline to apply for the job is at noon on August 30.

The role is definitely not for everyone–you need to be a full-time resident of Fort Erie–and includes being called upon 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Smith said applicants need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years old, have an unrestricted G licence, and must pass a background check, physical test and fear of heights testing.

Additionally, Smith said they were looking for self-confident or mechanically-inclined individuals.

Currently, the department has around 100 suppression fighters and 20 fire safety educators. The department has four stations throughout the municipality.

If selected, recruits will complete a six-month paid training program.

He described the training as “very in depth” and said trainees would be taught the “tricks of the trade” while also learning a lot from each other.

He added that there is also an element of fulfillment in helping others.

“No one wants to call 911,” he noted. “You get to be a glimmer of hope.”

The Fort Erie Fire Department will be hosting two open houses in August.

The first, on August 17, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Station Five, located at 2654 Stevensville Road.

The second will take place the following day, August 18, and run at the same time at Station Two, located at 444 Central Avenue.

Smith said the open houses will be a great opportunity for the public to check out the different vehicles the department has and for prospective firefighters to ask questions.

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