Whitecourt Fire Department
Information on Becoming
a Member of
the
Whitecourt Fire Department
map
Applications can be obtained from the Whitecourt
Fire Hall Between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or by calling 778-2342
Or by printing this Application
form. (word97)
Contents
The Whitecourt Fire Department provides fire and rescue services
to the Town of Whitecourt and surrounding portions of the Woodlands County, as well as
mutual aid services to neighboring municipalities. Our response area stretches along hwy.
43 from Two Creeks to Sec. Hwy. 658 (Blue Ridge) and from mid way between Swan Hills and
Whitecourt on hwy. 32 and south on hwy. 32 to Groat Creek. The department also provides
services to the Whitecourt Airport.
Anyone, male or female is eligible to join. Applicants must be at
least 18 years of age and hold a valid minimum Class 5 Alberta driver's licence. They
should be physically fit and live within a 10 minute response time to the fire Hall.
The Fire Hall is located at 5205-51 Street. It has 3 double bays
with a training classroom, offices, dispatch centre and the Firefighters Association
recreation area.
There are three crews each made up of a Captain, Lieutenant and 10
firefighters. In addition, there are a Fire Prevention / Dispatch Officer and his
assistant, and a Health & Safety Officer. As well as these volunteer positions, there
is a full time Fire Chief and Deputy Chief.
The department receives on average 85 - 90 call per year. Fire /
Rescue calls average about 2.5 to 3 hours each.
The department is equipped with a mini pumper, three pumper trucks
a rescue truck, a personnel transport / command vehicle and two support vehicles. Equipment
Each recruit is provided with a complete basic training course
consisting of about 80 hours of theory and practical exercises. It is not necessary to
have any prior training or experience, however completion of First Aid courses or any
other allied training will obviously be of benefit.
The departments experienced instructors provide training in First
Aid, Rescue, Fire Fighting and Vehicle Extrication. As well, Alberta Fire Training School (A.F.T.S.) and other
specialized courses are provided or arranged for.
Yes. The Town provides an honorarium to the firefighters that is
divided amongst the members based on attendance at emergencies, training sessions and
standbys.
The Department meets every tuesday from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm for
training. As well, there will be occasional weekend training sessions that will be
required to present special courses. All firefighters are expected to attend as many of
the training sessions as possible. Past records show that members spend 100 - 125
hours minimum per year in training on top of emergency calls.
Fire fighting is becoming an increasingly technical and skilled
field and safety of our members is our primary concern. It must be realized that a
significant amount of time will need to be dedicated to training. In order to ensure that
all firefighters are prepared to deliver the highest level of service required, the
department training standards have been developed to provide the needed skills, abilities
and knowledge to enable our members to provide safe effective emergency services to the
residents they protect.
Although the fire service has a good safety record, you will be
covered by a comprehensive insurance policy as well as WCB. Protective clothing and
uniforms are supplied and each member is issued a pager. The Whitecourt Volunteer
Firefighters Association conducts various social functions throughout the year for the
benefit of the members and their families. There is a close bond between firefighters and
the opportunity for developing lifelong friendships has its own rewards.
Fire Hall Address
-- 5205-51 Street. Whitecourt Alberta, Canada.
Mailing Address
-- P.O. Box 509, Whitecourt, AB., T7S 1N6 Canada
Phone Numbers
-- Tel. (403) 778 - 2342
-- Fax. (403) 778 - 2357
E-Mail
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11/04/00