For anyone curious to know if they’ve got what it takes to become a firefighter, Morden’s bravest is giving them the opportunity to come to a recruitment information night at the end of April.
“We’re looking for members. We had a few retirements in the last couple of years. We had a recruitment drive two years ago, and those members are well on their way to serving the community, and we’re looking to backfill our retirees who have left.” says Captain Jonathan Baumgart.
What makes a good firefighter
One of the top things a potential firefighter needs to have in abundance, according to Baumgart, is motivation.
“We want somebody who’s not going to give up. So, it’s a grind. There are moments where it’s tough, you’re up all night, and you could be up ten, twelve hours overnight, and then you've got to do an eight-hour shift at work.”
He stresses that, despite the unknown schedule that comes with the territory, for him, the job is a rewarding one that gives him a strong sense of satisfaction from knowing he is helping his neighbours.
The other two requirements he shared were that they are looking for people over 18 years of age, who also happen to live within the Morden city limits.
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Information night
The recruitment information night will be happening on April 30th at the Morden Fire Hall at 7:00 p.m. Baumgart says that “We’ll explain to you what it takes to be a member of our department. The training involved, the time commitment, that sort of thing.”
He also says that there will be an opportunity to look at and try on the different pieces of equipment and gear that they take into the field so that prospective trainees have a strong idea of what it’s like to wear them.
Applicants who decide they would like to move forward in the process can expect a physical skills test in May, and Baumgart says the department hopes to hire before July of this year.
Follow the Morden Fire & Rescue Facebook page to stay up to date on the recruitment information night.