Strathmore Town Council has approved plans to bring four full-time firefighters to town.
Strathmore Fire Chief David Sturgeon presented the request to council on Wednesday, May 28, following the announcement of $1.09 million in funding from the provincial government.
The funding came through the Wildfire Urban Interface (WUI) program, which is bringing over $7 million to form a stronger provincial-wide firefighting force.
"Currently we operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. full time and using a composite model after those hours," said fire chief David Sturgeon. "Adding these positions will allow us to move to fully staffed around the clock, improving response time, firefighter safety, and coverage for both local and regional calls through our Mutual Aid Agreements."
Sturgeon said they could use the funding to create a three-person engine crew that operated full time, providing fire and rescue coverage throughout the year.
"Eventually, through gradual staffing increases, a four-person engine crew would be established, ensuring consistent and timely fire/rescue and emergency responses," added Sturgeon.
The fire chief also said that they are offering WUI training for all firefighters in Strathmore, but they did not make it mandatory.
"Out of our 35 members, we have 25 that are trained to that standard, and I have another three who will be going into that training."
However, the request added that if the WUI program were to end funding, the Town of Strathmore would need to continue paying the salaries of the new firefighters.
Following a question period, the request was passed unanimously by town council.