PEC Fire and Rescue’s volunteer drive is going well. According to Training Officer Patrick Howe, 50 applications are in already.

More are more than welcome, from both those already qualified and those willing to get the training. 

A year-long training course begins in January. Volunteers are paid for their time, and the skills gained can be the foundation of a career. “There’s no out-of-pocket expense other than time,” notes Mr. Howe. “We’re training people to a professional qualification standard that’s recognized across North America.”

It did not take Mr. Howe himself, who came to the County with his young family in 2011, long to become a volunteer. Firefighting is in his blood. “My grandfather was the fire chief of the Pembroke fire department. And so my mom grew up in a firefighting household. My uncle was Fire Captain on Base Petawawa, and later was in charge of the local volunteer department in the Valley. I’ve always had that picture of fire service in my mind.”

It’s about community. “When I started moving around as an adult, my mother always told me, when you move to a new town, stop in at the fire hall. There’s always going to be a pot of coffee on. Say hi and introduce yourself.”

“It becomes a really important part of your life and your family’s life,” says Mr. Howe. “It really is a noble commitment. 

“There’s a rush driving down the middle of the road doing a call, there’s a sense of purpose and a sense of pride in the work that you’re doing.” 

It’s also about serving your neighbours. “You’re arriving on people’s worst days. The mission is to support our community.”

Most employers are happy accommodate their employees’ service commitments. Mr. Howe encourages everyone to consider “answering the call.”

Applications, available on the County website, are welcome anytime, but this year’s drive ends September 30.