Investing in firefighters

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Penticton plans to add a fire training officer position to oversee best practices in fire protection service training.

The officer will be responsible for creating, implementing and coordinating the department training program for all staff, as well as serving the technical training advisor internally and externally

Mayor Garry Litke said creating this position will raise the bar for the fire department,

"Skills development is critical to customer service and innovation and these investments will ensure the department is providing top-level fire protection to the community and beyond," he said.

The officer will assist the management team with operations and programs at the Emergency Training Centre at Fire Hall No. 2. The centre envisions serving the needs of the local department and South Okanagan region for live fire training, rather than sending career and auxiliary members out of the community for needed instruction, saving approximately 70 per cent in training costs.

A proposed expansion of fire protection service areas precipitates additional investment in the department.

A letter of intent between the city and Penticton Indian Band has been signed to facilitate fire protection services for new development and residential areas, non native leasehold arrangements, east of the Penticton Channel: Skaha Hills, Riva Ridge, Barefoot Beach Resort, Wright's Beach Campground and Red Wing. This includes the addition of first responder services and fire safety inspections.

Due to the expanded area of fire protection, two firefighter positions will be added to the city budget in 2015.

"These investments will go a long way to ensure the department is well-trained and equipped to meet the needs of the growing community and safety of responders and residents," said  Fire Chief Wayne Williams.