Search for full-time fire chief

Photo: Chris Vandermolen

File photo.

The communities of Spallumcheen and Armstrong are looking to hire a full-time, paid chief for their joint volunteer fire department.

“In recognition of the extraordinary administrative demands imposed by legislation on our volunteer fire department, the councils approved the creation of a full-time position for fire chief,” said a statement released Friday.

“The chief has continually informed us of all the new rules and regulations that are coming in,” said Armstrong Mayor Chris Pieper. “(The work) takes a lot of time and a volunteer can't do any more.”

A full review was conducted by the firm of Dave Mitchell and Associates in 2013.

Recommendations in that report led both councils to adopt new bylaws, while volunteer firefighters underwent training required under a 2014 'Playbook' issued by the Office of the Provincial Fire Commissioner.

As well, major upgrades of the fire hall began that are expected to be completed in August.

Recruitment for a full-time fire chief will commence immediately and it is uncertain whether the current volunteer chief, Ian Cummings, will apply.

“Ian has not committed one way or the other,” said Pieper. “He's doing a fantastic job but he has a business here in Armstrong as well. He has been a critical part of the whole governance matter and training.”

“He has been instrumental in helping us implement all of these changes,” said Spallumcheen Coun. Joe Van Tienhoven. “He has helped bring the service into the 21st century.”

The 36 firefighters with the Armstrong-Spallumcheen department will continue as volunteers, who are paid for training and fighting fires.

“In a community of our size, with the fire protection needed, you cannot afford to have a fire department comprised of all full-time paid members,” said Van Tienhoven. “Everyone is trained to a certain standard.”

“They have to do it outside of their personal and working world. It's a tremendous commitment,” said Pieper.