Careers in the Fire Department
Our mission is to protect life, property and the environment
- The first is to try and mitigate emergencies prior to them occurring. This is accomplished through fire safety education and code enforcement programs.
- The second is to resolve emergencies in order to protect life, property and the environment through emergency response and mitigation.
This business is not for everyone. You need more than just a desire to help people. You also need courage, dedication, integrity, assertiveness, and a willingness to learn new skills and face new challenges. The fire service is not for the meek or timid, or for those who lose control of their emotions during times of crisis. Our service is one which calls on its members to perform stressful, dirty, strenuous work, often in uncertain and hazardous environments.
However, the personal rewards and satisfaction received from the fire service are often beyond description. There is a sense of accomplishment after controlling a building fire. The joy and elation when a child is rescued. A fulfilment in teaching fire safety to a group of children. The list goes on and on.
The bottom line in our business is measured by the property damage we have prevented and reduced. We exist and are prepared for one reason only: To serve the community.
If you feel you have what it takes to meet the challenges of our business, we welcome you to apply.
Looking for a challenge? Become a paid call firefighter
Keep your community safe and join our team of paid call firefighters.
Our professional training and on the job experience is a unique opportunity to learn and develop leadership and communication skills while working with a team of skilled and dedicated firefighters.
As a paid call firefighter you will:
- perform firefighting, technical rescue, first aid and other related services
- drive and operate fire department apparatus, and equipment as assigned
- maintain cleanliness of the equipment and facilities, service and repair department structures, grounds, equipment, apparatus, turnout gear and uniforms as required
- participate in training, drills and practice sessions with department career and paid call personnel
- participate in public relations and education program events as required
- perform other related duties as assigned
Paid call firefighter requirements
- 19 years of age or older.
- Must reside in the Township of Langley.
- Legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Current and valid BC Driver's Licence (Class 5 with full privilege or higher).
- Safe driving record as demonstrated by a Personal Driver’s Record. A current Personal Driver’s Record (five year history) that has been obtained within 6 months of the closing date is required during the application process.
- No criminal record (a completed RCMP Police Information Check will be required for those that successfully pass the interview process).
Being a paid call firefighter is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity. If you have questions about paid call firefighter recruitment email fireinfo@tol.ca.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Questions often asked by prospective paid-call members:
| What is the cost of the required training? |
| The required training for paid-call firefighters is provided by the department at no cost to the individual. |
| How much will I have to pay for my personal protective equipment (PPE)? |
| All required personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided by the department at no cost to the individual. |
| What is the format of the paid-call training schedule? |
| The recruit training program is spread over an eight-week period. It is a practical program, given on weekday evenings and on weekends to make it more convenient for paid-call members. The expectation is that you will attend 100 per cent of this initial training. Ongoing training is given on a weekday evening and on weekends. There is an annual attendance expectation that paid-call firefighters are required to maintain. |
| Who provides insurance coverage for my activities as a paid-call firefighter? |
| Normal WorkSafeBC coverage is in effect whenever the individual is working for the department. The Township also has insurance coverage for auto liability when operating department vehicles, as well as accidental death and disability coverage at no cost to the individual. |
| Are paid-call firefighters directly paid in any way? |
| Paid-call firefighters are paid for attending required, approved training and for all emergency call-outs at the rate set by the municipality. |
| After my initial training, how much time will I be expected to give as an active member? |
| Expectation of two hours per week for training. The department expectation is that you will attend at least 70 per cent of the annual scheduled training sessions. The number of hours for call-outs varies from hall to hall, but members are expected to attend 40 per cent of the annual emergency call-outs. There is no ceiling on how much you can participate in optional duties such as tours and public education, as well as other activities. |
| How quickly will I have to respond to emergencies? |
| The department expects that all available members will respond immediately, and in a safe manner, to a page out. |
| If I have prior fire/rescue training and experience, will it count towards the Township's training requirements? |
| Prior training will likely reduce the time necessary to develop the minimum skills that the department looks for in its paid-call firefighters, but participation in all programs is still required in order to demonstrate your proficiency. |
| Is there a medical examination prior to acceptance by the department? |
| There is a medical examination. Your doctor must complete a form provided by the Fire Department. |