Looking for Firefighters

I made a note a while ago about the adoption of the new Fire Service Master Plan. The Plan calls for the largest investment in fire since the city moved from having one hall to our current two. We will add a third hall on the west side of the city in the next few years at a projected cost of $10.7 million.

But of course the capital cost of the hall and equipment is only one small part of the service expansion - you also have to factor in the operational costs. In this case that means paying all the new firefighters that will be required. By the time the new hall is operational in 2010 the staffing costs will be just slightly less than $2 million dollars per year.

It's a big commitment of course but it's an important step in ensuring that city service are keeping up with the growth of the community over the last few years.

So with all that in mind:

"New Release
Have you considered becoming a Firefighter?

The City of Grande Prairie’s Fire Department is hosting a number of recruitment sessions in early September for people interested in a career as a firefighter. The first is Wednesday Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Pete Eagar Fire Station on Resources Road.

“Firefighting is a challenging and rewarding career,” says Deputy Fire Chief Janine Blackburn. “If you are interested in seeking employment in this field, attending one of these sessions will be very valuable for you. It will provide an opportunity to talk to staff who’ve been through the recruitment process, and a thorough understanding of the qualifications required. There will be tours of the fire hall and visitors can review the opportunities available.”

Applicants must be 18 years of age and have no criminal record.

The dates and times for the recruitment information sessions are:
Wednesday, September 3 at 7 p.m.
Monday, September 8 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 13 at 2 p.m.

**Note: This is the same information session repeated on different dates.

Location:
Pete Eagar Fire Station
8111 Resources Road
Grande Prairie, AB

If you require more information on these Firefighter career information sessions, please contact Janine Blackburn, Deputy Fire Chief, at phone number:  780-830-5022.


Media enquiries may be directed to:
Janine Blackburn
Deputy Fire Chief
Grande Prairie Fire Department
Phone:  780-830-5022"