On June 8, fourteen dedicated community members will join the volunteer ranks with Squamish Fire Rescue. The graduation ceremony will mark the end of close to 200 hours of firefighter recruit training, and mark the beginning of ongoing weekly training sessions and countless emergency call outs.
Fire Chief Ray Saurette said, “Squamish is the beneficiary of the tireless work and commitment of highly trained and professional volunteers who dedicate countless hours to the safety and well being of this community.”
The recruit process started last November with a three-phase application process. Chief Saurette explained that it was in February where the rubber hit the road for the 14 individuals selected to join the recruit class. They were required to put in as many as 180 hours of classroom and practical work to hone their firefighting skills before joining the current 46-member volunteer contingent.
“With the help of our volunteer and career staff, the Department is confident the new recruits are ready for action, and will strengthen the Department's response capabilities as Squamish Fire Rescue faces the challenges of a growing community," said Chief Saurette. “I would like to welcome our new volunteer firefighters as they start the next phase of their journey in becoming an integral part of a professional team of fire prevention and emergency response professionals."
Squamish Fire Rescue is a composite Department consisting of 60 volunteers and five career firefighters who work side by side in providing the highest possible standard of fire rescue service.
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For more information, contact Fire Chief Ray Saurette at 604.898.9666
