Recruitment

Emergency Response

• Respond to fires, rescues, medical calls, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies.
• Perform fire suppression to protect life, property, and the environment.
• Enter burning or hazardous structures using appropriate protective gear and equipment.
• Conduct rescue and extrication operations as needed.
• Provide first aid, CPR, and use automated defibrillators.

Fireground Operations

• Lay, connect, and operate hoses, hydrants, nozzles, and pumps.
• Operate ladders, elevating devices, ventilation tools, and rescue equipment (manual and hydraulic).
• Perform salvage and overhaul operations during and after fire suppression.
• Ventilate buildings using hand tools or mechanical equipment.

Post-Incident Duties

• Clean and maintain firefighting equipment, apparatus, and personal gear after calls.
• Assist in restoring fire stations and vehicles to operational readiness.

Training & Preparedness

• Attend regular training sessions to learn and practice firefighting, rescue, and medical techniques.
• Participate in fire prevention activities, public education events, and inspections.

Station Duties

• Conduct monthly equipment checks and station maintenance.
• Maintain personal protective gear and assigned areas of the fire station.

General

• Carry and monitor a department-issued pager.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief, District Chief, or Officers.

A comprehensive training program is designed to prepare candidates for the demands of the role. Candidates must attend weeknight training sessions and complete mandatory self-study for the duration of the program. 100% attendance is required throughout the training program to ensure participants are fully prepared to serve safely and effectively. Following the candidate’s successful completion of training, Volunteer Firefighters are expected to respond to emergency calls and fulfill ongoing responsibilities.

Applicants with prior volunteer or professional firefighting experience and who hold ProBoard or AS&E certifications for NFPA 1001 Level I & II and NFPA 1072 (Operations Level) may be eligible for a modified or accelerated training program.

Serving as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Woolwich Fire Department involves both scheduled and unscheduled time commitments. While the role is flexible and designed to accommodate those with other work and family responsibilities, maintaining a consistent level of engagement is essential to ensure operational readiness and safety.

• 2-3 Monthly Training Sessions
  • Each training session is typically 3 hours long and covers a wide range of firefighting skills, rescue techniques, and emergency medical response. These sessions are crucial for maintaining certification, developing practical experience, and fostering teamwork.
• 1 Monthly Equipment Check
  • This session lasts approximately 2 hours and involves inspecting, testing, and maintaining firefighting equipment and vehicles to ensure everything is in working order and ready for emergency response.
• Unscheduled Emergency Response
  • In addition to scheduled duties, Volunteer Firefighters are expected to respond to unscheduled emergency 911 calls.

While flexibility is offered to accommodate personal schedules, regular participation in emergency responses is an important part of fulfilling the responsibilities of a Volunteer Firefighter. Active involvement helps ensure the safety of the community and supports the department’s operational needs.

A commitment to maintaining a regular fitness regime and monitoring your personal wellness is key to ensuring firefighter safety and longevity. You must have the strength, stamina and cardiovascular conditioning to take on the physical challenges of the Volunteer Firefighter role. Ethical behaviour and accountability must be part of your nature. Taking ownership and responsibility for your actions is vital to success.

Mental wellness is a crucial part of your experience with the fire department. As an emergency responder, you will face situations that can be emotionally traumatic and visually disturbing. You will receive training tools designed to help you understand and manage the mental health challenges associated with being a first responder. The department offers a peer support team that can assist you, and you will have access to a formal employee assistance program offered through the Township.

The department has a strong safety culture where adherence to operating guidelines, use of personal protective equipment, and watching out for one another is expected to ensure a safe working environment. Firefighters are required to wear a pager that alerts them to calls when they’re fit (both mentally and physically) and available for duty.

You must have a smartphone with an active data plan for use when paged for emergencies, attending training, and performing hall duties.