Photo: Contributed

Firefighter Jeremy Denny and his son Matt, 15, go over some of the equipment and procedures CSRD firefighters use at the Shuswap Fire Department Hall #2 in Blind Bay.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District is on a recruitment drive to boost the ranks of firefighters in the area.

Fire departments throughout the region are looking for new recruits to join the fire departments and help contribute to the safety and security of their community and its residents.

Certain participation levels are necessary to keep fire halls running safely and smoothly, which is especially key in rural areas like Nicholson, Falkland, the North and South Shuswap, Malakwa, Swansea Point, Ranchero and Silver Creek.

"There's this sense of responsibility that comes with this work. Someone has to do it, someone needs to do it – that’s the reality. And those who can do, should do," said Jeremy Denny, a volunteer firefighter in Blind Bay.

Denny said there is no better way to instill the value of community service in your children than modelling it first-hand.

"My children are all committed and understanding about what I do on the fire department. When my pager goes off, they want me to go. In fact, they will be the ones pushing me to go faster. They really see the value in stepping up to help,” he said.

Both of Denny's teenaged boys are now interested in the CSRD's upcoming Junior Firefighter training program.

"I'm proud of that," Denny said. "It's great to see their interest and that they have that sense of doing something bigger than just yourself."

While Denny said his commitment to the fire hall can mean some late-night calls or needing to work with his employer on plans for taking time away during an emergency situation, he says most obstacles to being a firefighter can be worked out.

CSRD firefighters generally train once per week at their respective fire halls and have some additional training requirements to fulfill as new recruits. Then there are many other opportunities for training to enhance a firefighter's knowledge and abilities.

For more information on becoming a paid on-call firefighter at one of the 13 CSRD fire departments around the region, email [email protected] or call Sean Coubrough, CSRD fire services co-ordinator at 250-833-5955.