PROBATIONARY PERIOD
All volunteer firefighters are subject to a minimum probationary period of 12 months from the date of hire. The probationary period may be extended until the successful completion of all required fireground training and NFPA certifications. During the probationary period, volunteer firefighters will be subject to restricted duties, as outlined in the Operational Guidelines, to ensure training and experience are acquired in a controlled environment.
EQUIPMENT
Once hired firefighters are supplied with the following:
- Pager & charging unit
- Personal protective equipment – bunker coat, bunker pants, helmet, safety glasses, hood, bunker boots, structural firefighting gloves and coveralls.
All equipment supplied by Kirkland Lake Fire Services remains property of the Corporation of the Town of Kirkland Lake and is to be used for authorized activities only in the performance of fire department duties. All items issued are to be returned when the member ceases employment with Kirkland Lake Fire Services.
TRAINING
Firefighters never stop training. We practice learned skills and continuously adapt our techniques to meet the challenges of ever-changing technology. Kirkland Lake Fire Services has adopted the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) training and certification standards, as administered through the Office of the Fire Marshal. This curriculum recognizes a firefighter’s commitment to lifelong learning and provides internationally accepted training standards to support the safety of firefighters and our community.
KLFS volunteer firefighters are required to complete 100% of the recruit level training and maintain a minimum annual attendance of 70% for all regularly scheduled training. Evening training sessions are normally scheduled on Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings from 1900 to 2100 hours. Occasionally, it is necessary to schedule weekend training sessions. These sessions are scheduled with as much advance notice as possible and it is expected that volunteer firefighters will make every effort to attend, as these sessions typically involve mandatory specialized training topics that are offered infrequently.
HEALTH & SAFETY
All firefighters have a responsibility to work in a safe manner, use personal protective equipment provided, and only perform tasks within their scope of training, in accordance with legislation, KLFS Operating Guidelines, and Town of Kirkland Lake policies.
As supervisors, Platoon Chiefs share the responsibility of providing for a safe workplace, both at the fire station and emergency incidents. They are available as a resource to answer questions or clarify policies and procedures.
An Employee and Family Assistance Program is available to all members of KLFS, including volunteer firefighters.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Volunteer (paid-on-call) firefighters are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All volunteer firefighters are required to respond when available for a MINIMUM of 30% of all paged emergency responses per year.
As a member of KLFS, you are expected to use common sense and safe driving practices to get to the fire station and/or emergency incident. All volunteer firefighters MUST follow all traffic laws under the Highway Traffic Act; a green light does not entitle firefighters to any special privileges under the Highway Traffic Act. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident while responding to a call, you are driving on your own license and vehicle insurance. If you are at fault, you may be charged.
WHAT IS REQUIRED
- Complete application
- Interview
- Physical agility test
- Drivers abstract
- Vulnerable sector check
- A letter from your health care provider is required to say you are fit and able to do this job