About our firefighters
Our volunteer firefighters come from all walks of life. Some of our firefighters are driven by a desire for a career in the fire service and want to gather experience. Some are part of the team to simply help the community. Whatever their motivation, we foster an environment that is inclusive to all our team members. We house a roster of 20+ professional firefighters who are dedicated to serving the community through emergency response, public service, fire prevention and community events.
Recruitment Process
After applying online or in person, an applicant will be contacted by one of our officers. They will schedule an in-person panel interview which gives us the chance to get to know you and your schedule. We will also provide the expectations for the position. If successful in the interview, applicants will be offered the position of Recruit Firefighter!
Recruit Pre-requisites
There are a only few prerequisites required to become a firefighter with the Wembley Fire Department. No prior training is required as all recruits attend mandatory pre-service training totalling 32 hours held over two weekends.
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a current Standard First Aid Certificate with CPR Level C
- Have a valid Class 5 Drivers License
- Live within 15km of the Wembley Fire Hall
Probationary Period
All new recruits without formal training will be subject to a 6-month probationary period. New Recruits that have prior 1001 training will be subject to a 3-month probationary period. After this period, members can challenge the knowledge exam and practical evaluations to remove the probationary status.
1001 Certification Training
The Wembley Fire Department utilizes the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Services training program to train our firefighters to the NFPA 1001 Level I & II certification. This training is comprised of 9 modules which on average total 19 weekends worth of training. Each module builds on previous skills and delivers all of the classroom and hands-on knowledge required for certification. These courses are held locally and are covered by the department.
When enrolling in a module of training a member must commit to both weekends of training in order to complete the module. The schedule is built to accommodate busy work schedules and takes place on weekends with the occasional evening required. While you are not paid for your time in the program, students do not need to take time off of work in order to attend the modules. Each of the 9 modules needs to be completed in succession in order to build on the skills, however, there are typically more than 1 of each module ran per year. If you are unable to attend one of the modules, you can simply enroll in the next and continue on with the training. Once successful in completing the program, students will hold a NFPA 1001 Level I & II certificate which is nationally recognized. Depending on a student’s schedule, full certification can be obtained as quickly as 1 year. On average it takes most students 1.5 to 2 years to complete the entire program.
The County of Grande Prairie Fire Service Training program is broken down into these modules:
Firefighter 101 (Pre-service Training) – 32 Hours
Program Description: Building Construction, PPE and Equipment Familiarization, Water Supply, Truck Assignments, Communications, Defensive Fire Operations, Policies and Procedures
Firefighter 201 – 32 Hours
Program Description: Air Monitoring & Gas Detection, Forcible Entry, Ground Cover Fires, Fire Extinguishers, Ladders, Vehicle Fires
Firefighter 301 – 32 Hours
Program Description: Company Operations, Search & Rescue, Interior Firefighting, Fire Dynamics
Firefighter 401 – 32 Hours
Program Description: Interior Fire Operations, On Grade/Above Grande/Below Grade Fires, All Skills Covered in 101-301
Firefighter 401c Level I Certification – 16 Hours
Program Description: Certification lab inclusive of 3rd party evaluators. Covers practical skills and knowledge-based testing based on the NFPA 1001 Level I Standards. Upon the completion of Hazmat Awareness students can apply for 1001 Level I Certificates
Firefighter 501 – 32 Hours
Program Description: Basic Vehicle Extrication & Stabilization
Firefighter 601 – 32 Hours
Program Description: Builds on Company Operations of a Level I Firefighter, Search & Rescue, Company Leadership
Firefighter 701 – 32 Hours
Program Description: Specialized Hazards, Pressurized Fuel Sources, Hose and Equipment Testing, Foam Application, Flammable Liquid Fires
Firefighter 801 – 32 Hours
Program Description: Fire Prevention, Public Education, Fire Codes, Fire Alarm and Suppression Inspections
Firefighter 901 – 16 Hours
Program Description: 2 Days of Live Fire Evolutions as a Company Officer
Firefighter 901c Level II Certification – 16 Hours
Program Description: Certification Lab inclusive of 3rd part evaluators. The program covers practical and knowledge testing based on the NFPA 1001 Level II Standard. Upon completion of Hazmat Operations students are eligible to apply for 1001 Level II Certificates.
Weekly Training
The Wembley Fire Department conducts training every Thursday evening at 19:00hrs. Members will train to build on existing skills and learn new skills to use on the fireground. Our training nights are inclusive of all levels of training and offer something for everyone. Members must attend a minimum of 50% of training nights within a calendar year.
Calls
The Wembley Fire Department responds to an average of just over 300 calls per year. Operating 24/hrs per day, 365 days per year, emergencies can happen at all times of the day or week. Once a member has completed their pre-service training they can begin to attend emergency calls. Through cellular applications, members are notified of a 9-1-1 call. If a member is available, they respond directly to the fire station and onto the appropriate apparatus needed for the call. Members must attend a minimum of 15% of emergency calls within a calendar year.
Additional Expectations
Being a member of the fire department is a big commitment. Along with responding to emergency calls we also must attend monthly inspections with our platoons, plan and attend community events, and attend quarterly meetings. A minimum attendance of 50% is required for these duties within a calendar year.
ATCO Cadet Program
In partnership with the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service and ATCO, we offer the opportunity for teenagers aged 16-17 the opportunity to be a member of the Wembley Fire Department. While Cadets are not permitted to respond to emergencies, they can attend most of the other activities that our Firefighters attend. This includes being able to enroll in the 1001 Certification Program. Most high schools within the County of Grande Prairie also offer credit opportunities for students enrolled in the Cadet Program. The Department works closely with the Cadets and Parents/Guardians to ensure that academics remain a top priority.
Cadet Pre-requisites
- Live within 15km of the Wembley Fire Hall
- Be able to attend 50% of Weekly Training within a Calendar Year
- A class 5 drivers license is highly recommended
Ready to join the team?
Download and complete the application below. Once completed please email it to fireoperations@wembley.ca
Application Download: WFD Firefighter Application
Click the links below to see what being a Paid on-call Firefighter with the Wembley Fire Department can offer you!
Videos
Wembley Fire Department "Workin in the North"
Recruitment Video
Questions or Concerns? Email District Fire Chief Matt Smith at masmith@countygp.ab.ca
