By Steve Hubrecht

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The Fairmont Hot Springs, Windermere, Panorama and Edgewater fire departments have started their fall recruitment drive. 

All are part of the Columbia Valley Rural Fire Rescue Service, which operates under the Regional District of East Kootenay. The service is appealing to residents to consider stepping forward to become part of the team. 

“No experience is needed to join. We provide the training and we support new recruits through the learning process. The only requirement is an interest in helping your community and a commitment to training,” said Columbia Valley Rural Fire Rescue Service chief, Drew Sinclair. 

Each individual fire department is look for two to six new recruits, Sinclair told the Pioneer. He added the fall training is about to start, and “if you are interested now is the best time to start, with the integrated training about to begin”.

Sinclair explained, “there are many benefits to joining a department, including incredible personal and leadership development, lifesaving first aid skills, and the reward of knowing you are helping your community. In addition, our firefighters receive on-call pay and are eligible for extended benefits.”  

Application forms are available on the RDEK’s website and at the fire halls. For more information contact the Columbia Valley Rural Fire Rescue Service at 250-342-6214. The firefighter recruitment drive ends October 28.