Become a paid-on-call firefighter

Did you know? 70% of firefighters in Canada are volunteers.

The roots of volunteer firefighting can be traced back to ancient Rome when the citizens formed bucket brigades to combat fires threatening their city. As civilizations evolved, so did firefighting techniques.

Villages grew into dense towns and cities where a single fire could threaten the lives of thousands. In the 17th and 18th centuries, communities in North America and Europe organized volunteer fire companies, reflecting a shared commitment to safeguarding their communities.

As firefighting equipment evolved from buckets to engines, the need for special training, tools, and professionals emerged. Today, the tradition of volunteer firefighting continues to thrive, embodying the values of camaraderie, sacrifice, and community spirit. In Canada, over 70% of firefighters are volunteers-and the same is true for Strathmore. While we call ours Paid-on-Call, these brave men and women come from all walks of life, generously offering their time and skills for the greater good.

Do you have what it takes to join this tradition and help serve your community? Consider applying today.

 Ready to start your paid-on-call firefighting journey?

  1. Complete the paid-on-call application form and include a resume if you have one prepared
  2. Complete part one (page 1) of the Applicant Medical Report (Section 2 will be required after receiving approval from fire department to continue to the second portion of the medical evaluation with a medical doctor)
  3. Include names of at least three (3) references
  4. Sign the application.
  5. Include copies of any certificates for training you have obtained.

Once your application is completed please return it to the Strathmore Municipal Building or drop it off at the Fire Hall marked: “Fire Department Recruiting”.  A selection board reviews all applications and potential candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Contact the Strathmore Fire Department for more information at (403) 934-3022 or email firehall@strathmore.ca

Want to be a paid-on-call firefighter with the Town of Strathmore?

What's involved with becoming a paid-on-call firefighter?

Paid-on-call firefighters are members of the Strathmore Fire Department and play a key role in the delivery of fire services to Strathmore. You would work alongside the Department's career firefighters at major incidents, and often respond independently to simultaneous calls for service.

Paid-on-call firefighters are alerted to emergencies and those who are available, go to the fire station to get dressed in protective gear and then into emergency vehicles.  Paid-on-call firefighters respond to fires, rescues, medical aid, hazardous materials, and a host of other calls to aid the public. 

To prepare you to perform well in these situations, you would receive in-depth professional training as a firefighter recruit, and would maintain your skills by attending ongoing training. 

Our paid-on-call firefighters are alerted to emergencies and those who are available, go to the fire station to get dressed in protective gear and then into our emergency vehicles. Strathmore's paid-on-call firefighters get compensated an hourly wage based on their training and supervisory responsibility. Staff get paid for emergency response, training and fire prevention activities.

What's in it for you?
Strathmore's paid-on-call firefighters get compensated an hourly wage based on their training and supervisory responsibility. You would get paid for emergency response, training, and fire prevention activities.

Your commitment and dedication to the community in serving as a paid on-call firefighter will also result in tremendous personal benefits; it is a great way to gain important life safety skills and improve your confidence and courage. The Strathmore Fire Department offers great personal development and promotional plans, the opportunity to join an active firefighter association, and access to physical and mental health programming. In addition to joining a great team, you will feel like part of our family.
What are some of the requirements?
  • live and/or work within the Town of Strathmore
  • minimum 18 years of age
  • have a valid Class 5 driver’s license and transportation
  • provide a satisfactory driver’s abstract
  • provide a clean criminal record check (vulnerable sector)
  • ability to understand and communication in English (written and oral)
  • excellent physical condition (physical tests or medical checks are required)
  • be able to attend training sessions one evening per week
  • be able to attend weekend courses and other training, as required, to maintain skills
What are some of the duties/responsibilities?
As a paid-on-call firefighter, you will be required to perform your duties and responsibilities at a high level of consistency and in accordance with the policies and standard operating guidelines of the department. Principle duties and responsibilities include the following:
  • respond to emergencies involving fire
  • respond to rescue incidents/motor vehicle collisions
  • respond to dangerous goods incidents perform first aid medical
  • response and assist emergency medical services (EMS) personnel
  • perform housekeeping duties of the firehall
  • perform standby duties as required
  • maintain fire department apparatus in a clean, serviceable condition
  • participate in required training
  • participate in fire prevention education
  • adhere to fire department policies and procedures
  • commit to maintaining a lifestyle of safety, health and physical fitness
  • perform other duties as required
What are the working conditions like?
Working as a paid on-call firefighter will expose you to a variety of conditions; here are some situations you should expect to encounter as part of normal routine:
  • Being called on to respond to emergencies at any time of day, including holidays and weekends
  • Being called on to respond to emergencies in any kind of weather
  • Performing required tasks while wearing full personal protective equipment, including selfcontained breathing apparatus
  • Working quickly to extinguish fires in extreme heat and when visibility is poor or non-existent
  • Experiencing physically-demanding tasks during extreme fluctuations in temperature
  • Lifting, carrying, butting, extending and climbing ladders to extreme heights while maintaining balance and performing maneuvers
  • Working in hazardous areas that could be hot, wet, slippery, muddy, icy, dirty and cramped
  • Working on and around moving machinery, vehicles and equipment
  • Assisting with critically-injured and/or sick patients
  • Assisting with distraught family members
  • Being exposed to and protecting against burns and other injuries, sharp objects, inhalation, injection, ingestion and absorption of hazardous substances, high noise levels, infectious agents/biological hazards, radiation hazards, smoke, dust, noxious odours and contaminants, and uninstalled or unshielded electrical equipment 

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