High Level Fire Department (Recruitment)

Are you interested in becoming a firefighter?
Please read the following Applicant Information Package and then download
an application form here and use mail or email to send it back. Fire
members practice every Monday night starting at 7:00 pm, feel free to
drop by with your application and one of our officers will be happy to give
you a tour.

High Level Fire Department Applicant Information Package
(February 2002)

Introduction

Thank-you for expressing interest in becoming a member of the
High Level Fire Department. We hope this information package is able to answer some
of the questions you may have about our department.

Volunteers are the backbone of the High Level Fire Department and it is important
that you realize what is involved in being a fire department member before making
the necessary commitment. This manual is intended to describe how the
High Level Fire Department operates and gives you some background information before
you make any decisions. You are encouraged to discuss this information with your family
and to contact any of the members of the department if you require additional information.

Who is the High Level Fire Department?

Volunteers – All HLFD members are volunteer with the exception of the Fire Chief.
They are all individuals with strong community will, and commitment to active
involvement in making our community what it is today.

What do we do?

The HLFD provides fire, rescue and prevention services within the Town Of High Level,
and under agreements to Dene Tha First Nations in Bushie River and a
portion of the Municipal District of Mackenzie #23

When do we do what we do?

Obviously whenever an emergency arises, but just as important are our
training sessions which are scheduled throughout the year. Fire Practices are
held every Monday night and department business meetings are held on the last
Monday of the month. Training courses from the Alberta Fire Training School,
as well as other agencies, are also scheduled through the year and all members are
encouraged to take part in these formal training courses.

Where are we and how do you contact us?

High Level Fire Department
10201-100 Ave
P.O. Box 803
High Level, AB
T0H 1Z0

Phone (Fire Hall) 926-2033
Phone (Administration) 926-3192
Fax (926-2058)
Email: rschmidt@highlevel.ca
Website: www.highlevelfirerescue.com

Why do we have a Fire Department?

To provide the citizens of High Level and the surrounding area with fire and rescue
emergency services and prevention services which have a positive effect on
public safety and financial implications towards our community’s insurance premiums.

How do we operate?

The HLFD is a department of the Town Of High Level. The department is
administered by the Fire Chief / Director of Protective Services and a group of
elected officers through thoughtful and deliberate programs, and comprehensive
training. The department is guided by a Constitution, Standard Operating Procedures
and Town Of High Level Policies.

Prerequisites to joining the HLFD

	18 years of age
	Good physical condition
	Good mental state
	Complete criminal records check and Child Welfare Information Systems background check.
	Current Driver’s License
	Resident of High Level or employed within High Level for three consecutive months

Our preferences in consideration:

	Commitment
	Availability
	Related skills or training

Firefighter Expectations

	Family Support: This is the most important aspect for you and the HLFD. When you join, so does your family. Missed family functions and events may occur as a result of this commitment. Discuss this with your family.
	Employer Support: This is the next item you need to consider. Many calls occur during work hours. Although your job comes before the Fire Department, you need to discuss your commitment with your employer and discuss your availability during work hours for emergency calls.
	Time Commitment: Being a member of the HLFD is not like belonging to other organizations. Commitment is key and often there is considerable time contributed on the members behalf.
	Completion of Fire Training: Formal courses are an important part of the training process. It is expected that a firefighter will make all attempts at taking formal training offered by the department. This training goes a long way in making the team effective and safer on a fire ground.
	Callout Availability: Obviously call availability is important. We ask that if you are available to respond, please do so. The more members we have to attend an incident the better.
	Practice / meeting attendance: Practices and meetings are where you learn the most about the department and its operations. It is extremely important the practices and meetings are regularly attended.

Fire Department’s Role / Commitment

	Training: The HLFD provides the training required to do the job
	Equipment: The HLFD will provide the equipment necessary to do the job
	Protective clothing: All protective clothing will be provided as necessary.
	Worker’s Compensation: All HLFD personnel are covered by WCB through the Town Of High Level while at a fire department training session, fire call or public education function.
	Accident insurance: Accidental death and dismemberment insurance is provided to all department members.
	Communications: Fire Department pagers are provided to all members.

High Level Fire Department Organizational Chart

Fire Chief - Public Information Officer
- Public Education Officer

Deputy Fire Chief

Captain Captain Captain

Lieutenant Lieutenant Lieutenant

Firefighters

The Firefighter’s Responsibility

	Active participation in training Reasonable effort to obtain / be available for Firefighter training courses: Part I, Part II, Pump Operator A, etc.
	Active participation in practices Reasonable effort to be available and participate on a regular basis
	Active participation in meetings Reasonable effort towards attendance
	Responding to emergency page-outs Safe, reasonable effort, and availability on a regular basis
	Equipment maintenance To be conducted weekly as per equipment checklists
	Active participation in prevention activities
	Fire standbys, Patrols, community events

The Department Social Aspects

There are several social events planned by the department each year. These include Christmas parties, barbeques, family and sports activities, "get to know you" nights, and the annual Firefighter’s Ball. These events, while providing enjoyment for all members and their families, also help build the "team spirit" to help us to work together.

Conclusion

All volunteer firefighters should be professional in attitude as well as performance. Firefighting and rescue, by it’s inherit nature, is a dangerous and serious business. Because of this, it is imperative that every member of the fire department takes their position on the department seriously and professionally. After all, we are in the business of saving lives and property in our community. We don’t expect you to know everything on day one. We encourage you to ask questions if you don’t know or are unsure. We are here to support one another and help each other in any way we can.

Take this package home and discuss it with your family and your employer. Once an application is made, you are welcome to attend practices and take part until your application is considered.

An orientation meeting will be held on your first day as a member to get you off on the right foot.

If there are any questions, suggestions or comments, we want to hear them.

- Click Here For An Application Form -

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the application form. Click on the link below for your free download.