Town of Wembley

About Our Firefighters

Our paid on-call volunteer firefighters come from all walks of life, united by a shared commitment to serving the community. Some join to gain valuable experience as they pursue a career in the fire service, while others simply have a passion for helping others. Whatever their motivation, we foster an inclusive and supportive team environment.

We maintain a roster of >25 dedicated firefighters, all trained professionals who provide emergency response, public service, fire prevention, and support for community events. Their dedication ensures the safety and well-being of the residents we serve.

What to Expect

Volunteering as a firefighter is a meaningful and rewarding way to serve your community. It is also a commitment that comes with responsibility, training, and the occasional interruption to dinner, sleep, family time, or whatever else you had planned that day.

Being a volunteer firefighter is not a casual or occasional commitment. Our members are part of a busy emergency response team and are expected to meet professional standards, work as a team, and be ready to respond when their community needs them.

Emergency calls can happen at any time, day or night, weekdays or weekends, and even during holidays or family dinners. Members must be prepared to make time for the department and understand that serving as a firefighter can sometimes require personal sacrifices.

Training is a significant part of the role. Members attend regular training throughout the year, participate in drills, maintain required certifications, and continue developing the skills needed to safely serve themselves, their teammates, and the public. Annual training and attendance requirements are an important part of being an active member of the department.

We also expect our members to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, teamwork, reliability, and a strong work ethic. Firefighters may be called upon to work in mentally and physically demanding environments, and the public places a great deal of trust in us when they need help. Because of this, our members are expected to act responsibly and respectfully both on and off duty. How our members conduct themselves reflects not only on them, but on the Wembley Fire Department as a whole.

While training, events, and station duties are unpaid, our firefighters are compensated through a paid-on-call program when responding to emergency calls or backfilling the station. The program is not intended to be a primary source of income, but it does help offset some of the costs associated with responding, including fuel, vehicle wear and tear, and meals.

The commitment is real, but so are the rewards. Volunteer firefighters develop valuable skills, build lasting friendships, become part of a close-knit team, and have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the people and communities they serve.

You do not need to have all the answers when you join. You do need to be willing to learn, show up, work as a team, and be there when your community needs you.

Recruitment Process

The journey to becoming a firefighter with the Wembley Fire Department starts with an online or in-person application. Once submitted, an officer will contact applicants to schedule an in-person panel interview. While we appreciate all applications, not every applicant will be contacted for an interview. Applications are reviewed based on skills, experience, location, and availability. The interview allows us to learn more about you, your availability, and your suitability for the role. We will also outline the expectations and commitments involved. 

Applicants who are successful in the interview will be offered the position of Recruit Firefighter, and begin the onboarding process. 

Wait List

Our roster is typically limited to approximately 30 firefighters to ensure we can provide equipment, effective training, supervision, and opportunities for members to participate.

If the roster is full, applicants may still be interviewed and placed on a wait list. Applicants on the list will be contacted when a position becomes available. The wait list is an active and evolving process. Applicants may move up or down the list as the needs of the department change and as we assess the qualifications, previous experience, skills, and other strengths each applicant brings to the team.

Being placed on the wait list does not mean you have been unsuccessful. It means we may not have a position available at that time. When an opportunity becomes available, we will contact applicants on the list as part of the selection process.

Recruit Firefighter Prerequisites

Becoming a firefighter with the Wembley Fire Department requires only a few key qualifications—no prior firefighter training is necessary. All recruits undergo a mandatory 32-hour pre-service training program, completed over two weekends before being eligible to respond to emergency calls. 

Minimum Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age
• Valid Standard First Aid Certificate with CPR Level C
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License
• Residency within 15 km of the Wembley Fire Hall 

(Please note that applicants must meet the residency requirements in order to be eligible. Applicants outside the 15km response radius will not be contacted) 

Successful recruits will be required to provide a criminal background/vulnerable sector check, 5-year commercial driver abstract and provide a medical assessment performed by a physician or authorized medical care provider. Successful applicants will be provided further instruction during their onboarding process. We ask that you do not obtain these documents prior to being onboarded. 

Probationary Period

All new recruits without formal training will be subject to a 6-month probationary period. New Recruits with NFPA 1001 Level II certifications 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 partners with the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Services training program to provide firefighters with NFPA 1001 Level I & II certifications. This comprehensive training consists of 9 modules, typically spanning 19 weekends. Each module builds on previously acquired skills, delivering both classroom instruction and hands-on training necessary for certification. Courses are conducted locally and fully funded by the department. Instruction is provided by experienced career and volunteer firefighters actively serving in the fire service.

When enrolling in a training module, members must commit to both weekends to complete the module. The schedule is designed to accommodate busy work commitments, with training primarily held on weekends and occasional evening sessions. While this program is unpaid, it provides training that meets or exceeds the standards taught in formal firefighting academies.

Most of the nine modules must be completed in sequence to ensure progressive skill development. However, multiple sessions of each module are typically offered throughout the year allowing members to enroll in the next available session if they are unable to attend one. Upon successful completion of the program, firefighters earn a nationally recognized NFPA 1001 Level I & II certification. Depending on availability and scheduling, full certification can be achieved in as little as one year, with most participants completing the program within 1.5 to 2 years.

The County of Grande Prairie Fire Service Training program is broken down into these modules:

Firefighter 101 (Mandatory 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 3^rd party evaluators. Covers practical skills and knowledge-based testing based on the NFPA 1001 Level I Standards. Upon the completion of NFPA 472 Hazmat Awareness & NFPA 472 Hazmat Operations, 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 3^rd part evaluators. The program covers practical and knowledge testing based on the NFPA 1001 Level II Standard. After successful completion of the 901c, students can apply for their 1001 Level II certifications. 

Students must successfully complete the following courses/programs in order apply for their International Fire Services Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and ProBoard Accreditation and Certifications: 

-  ICS 100

-  Firefighter 101 to Firefighter 401c

- Firefighter 501 to Firefighter 901c

- NFPA Hazmat 472 Awareness

- NFPA Hazmat 472 Operations

- Current Standard First Aid with CPR and AED Level C

Further Education & Courses

Ongoing education is available to our members throughout the year, providing opportunities for both career advancement and skill development. Whether individuals are working toward the qualifications needed for a full-time position or seeking to expand their expertise, numerous growth opportunities are offered annually. While course offerings may vary, some of the core training programs available include:

• NFPA 1002 Driver Operator
• NFPA 1002 Pump Operator
• Ice Rescue Technician 
• Swift Water Rescue Specialist
• NFPA 472 Hazmat Awareness & Operations
• Rope Rescue
• IAFF Fire Ground Survival
• Standard First Aid + CPR Level C
• Basic Life Support (BLS) 
• Air Brakes Q Endorsement
• Class 3 License Training
• Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) 
• NFPA 1051 Wildland Firefighter
• Incident Command System (ICS) 200,300,400 
• Blue Card Commander

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 fire ground. Our training nights are inclusive of all levels of training and offer something for everyone.

Calls

The Wembley Fire Department responds to an average of over 350 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.

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. Our department either attends, plans or assists with approximately 20-30 community events/initiatives annually. 

All of our firefighters are required to meet mandatory attendance standards. Applicants should carefully review these requirements and ensure they are able to meet departmental expectations. Failure to meet the required attendance by the end of the calendar year will result in dismissal from duties.

Mandatory Annual Attendance Requirements

ATCO Cadet Program 

In partnership with the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service and ATCO, we offer the opportunity for high school students aged 16-18 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 their Parents/Guardians to ensure that academics remain a top priority.

Cadet Mandatory Annual Attendance Requirements 

Cadet Pre-requisites

• Live within 15km of the Wembley Fire Hall
• A class 5 driver's license 

Ready to join the team? 

Download and complete the application below. Once completed, please email your finished application to Lieutenant Kyle Hudson at khudson@wembley.ca

(We thank all applicants for their interest; however, please note that only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted)

Application Download: Wembley Fire Department Volunteer Application Form - PDF Fillable 

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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 Station Captain Mike Moon at fireoperations@wembley.ca