The Steinbach Fire Department is looking for a handful of new on-call firefighters this year.
Kelvin Toews, the department's chief, says last year's recruitment campaign went well, but there have been some retirements since then.
This year, he is looking to hire 10 to 12 additional people.
"We'd like to get our numbers up in the area of between 55 and 60 members," he says, adding the more teammates, the less strain on the team.
It's not always easy to bring people on board though.
"It's a worldwide phenomenon in the last few years that volunteers are harder to come by, and part of that reason is the demand it puts on people," Toews says.
"We'd rather have more people showing up to fewer calls, rather than having a small number of firefighters attend a call a day."
He says members are paid for the calls they attend, and for their training.
Those interested don't need to have firefighting experience.
"You need to have the heart for it, you need to be a hard worker, and you need to be a team player," Toews says, and notes the department does all their training through the Manitoba Fire College. "It's all in-house training."
He says while it is hard work, it's also very rewarding, and a great way to give back to the community.
"It really is a family, and it's great to be a part of that family and help your community at the same time," he says. "I mean, there are the times that it's gut-wrenching as well, but overall, it's fun to be able to do this for your community, help your fellow man, and do it as a part of a team."
Toews says the schedule of an on-call firefighter varies. They could go a week without any calls or get two to three calls in a day.
There are different tiers of calls for crew members to respond to, he notes.
"You are on-call for one out of three weeks, and if it's a lower tier call that just (stay) on-call — people attended," he explains. "But if it's a fire or an emergency that needs all hands-on deck, then everyone shows up to that call."
Those interested in applying, or who just want to know more, are encouraged to take part in upcoming events.
"On Friday, April 4, we'll be at the Clearspring Centre. We'll have a table set up there, so... stop by there and talk to a firefighter, see what's involved, (and) we'll have some tools laid out there for an initial take," Toews says, adding applications will also be available to take.
On April 12, he says there will be an open house at the Fire Hall, where more firefighters will be around to answer questions.
Then, on May 13, there will be a session geared towards potential firefighters’ partners.
"They have some questions that, possibly, their partner won't ask. We really encourage, if you are planning to apply, bring your partner to that information night," Toews says.
"They make a big sacrifice too. Whether it's a spouse leaving in the middle of the night, leaving during a birthday party or during a hockey game. It puts extra pressure on the partner as well, so they have to be all in too."
He says the deadline to apply is May 16.
From there, the interview process will start, and physical testing to make sure applicants are able to do the job. If hired, they would start their training in fall.
For more information, or to apply, go to steinbach.ca.