Home »
Good start to Elko firefighter drive
It was a full house last night at the Elko Community Hall as the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) launched its Elko Fire Department Recruitment Drive.
Over 60 people took in the community dinner and information session, which included presentations from active volunteers, BC Ambulance, the Wildfire Management Branch, Electoral Area B Director Stan Doehle and the RDEK.
“Our goal was to help provide information to the community on the many different ways people can contribute as volunteers in a fire department,” explained Elk Valley & South Country Fire Services Chief Dave Boreen. “Many people think being a member of a department is just about fighting fires; however, there are so many other opportunities for volunteers from medical first responder, to organizing equipment and even helping with paperwork. If you are interested in giving back to your community and being part of a team, there is a role for you as a volunteer in our departments.”
This week marks the kick off of the recruiting drive for volunteers for the new Elko Fire Department, which is expected to be established by this fall. In addition to last night’s information session, there was a door-knocking campaign Tuesday evening and an Equipment Expo and Information Session will be held this Saturday, February 6, at the Elko Community Hall.
The Equipment Expo will feature trucks and equipment on display starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Presentations will begin at 10:30 a.m. “Last night’s turnout was fantastic and we are hoping for another strong turn out Saturday. We will have colouring pages for the kids, application packages available and volunteers from Jaffray and Baynes Lake on hand to provide information and answer questions,” said Boreen.
Application packages for the Elko Fire Department are also available at the Jaffray Fire Hall and on the RDEK’s website.
The deadline for applications to be submitted is February 20.
“Volunteers are the heart of our departments. Without them, there is no fire service. We are hoping these information sessions will help inspire residents of the community to pick up a package and apply,” added Boreen.
RDEK
