Firefighter recruitment drive underway

Mike Lawrence - Staff Writer

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community while learning new skills? The Sioux Lookout Fire Service is looking to increase its roster of volunteer firefighters and is inviting applications from interested community members. The application process is open to all community members over the age of 18 who have a valid drivers license and have completed Grade 10.
Bob Popovic, Sioux Lookout Fire Chief and Emergency Services Manager for the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, also notes “Firefighters should be in good physical condition and, ideally, have a good mechanical aptitude.”
Speaking to the time commitment applicants can expect to invest, Popovic stated, “New recruits are expected to have 30-50 hours of training for the first three months,” adding “There would be significant training involved during the process, and for efficiency, we would prefer to train a minimum of three firefighters at a time.”
The Sioux Lookout Fire Service is currently working with a deficit of three firefighters for Sioux Lookout and three for Hudson, and as Popovic notes, “In Sioux Lookout, a full roster of firefighters would ideally be 25, and in Hudson it would be eight.”
As noted on Sioux Lookout’s Municipal website, “Volunteer firefighters are compensated for attending emergency scenes, training, and performing station duties.”
Those interested in this volunteer opportunity are invited to visit the Sioux Lookout Fire Hall, located at 39 Fifth Ave, for an Open House event taking place Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m.
Individuals interested in the volunteer firefighter program, or wishing to fill out an application form, are encouraged to visit the Municipal Fire Service webpage at https://bit.ly/38m5n9G.