Red Deer County has launched a new campaign aimed at recruiting volunteer firefighters.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 97% of Canadian fire departments are staffed by volunteers.

 “Anybody can be a volunteer firefighter, it doesn’t matter what your life experience is or what your current career or job is or what your hobbies are, we want people with a wide variety of backgrounds and a diversity of backgrounds,” said Dave Brand is the Director of Community and Protective Services.

He says new volunteers are under a probationary period for a year to gain experienced and gain active status, and they are looking for people that are committed.

“There are certainly a lot of challenges so the ability to face different problems and know how to solve them so if people enjoy that then this is a really great place to go.”

Brand says there are perks to being a part of their team.

“The other thing is team building and comradery the culture in the fire service in particular in Red Deer County is excellent, it’s just like a family.”

Red Deer County Fire Services operates in the communities of Bowden, Delburne, Elnora, Red Deer South and North (immediately outside the city of Red Deer), as well as Spruce View and Springbrook

Volunteers are generally matched with the station closest to their homes. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, and have a class 5 driver’s license. Volunteers must also be able to pass a physical fitness test. All other training and equipment are provided by County Fire Services.

The deadline for applications is October 12, 2018. For more information on volunteering, go to the Red Deer County website.