In 2020, Coaldale Town Council approved a property tax rebate program to drive recruitment.
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From now until the first week of January, 2024, Coaldale & District Emergency Services (CDES) is accepting applications for the position of volunteer firefighter.
An all-hazard response fire department, the Coaldale Fire Department responds to fire calls, alarms, motor vehicle collisions, incidents involving hazardous materials, and water/ice incidents. It also assists Alberta Health Services (AHS) EMS by participating in AHS’ Medical First Response Program.
What many people don’t realize, however, is that the Coaldale Fire Department is predominantly staffed and run by volunteers. “Like so many fire departments in Alberta, the Coaldale Fire Department depends heavily on volunteers,” said Clayton Rutberg, Director of Protective Services for the Town of Coaldale. “Right now, we have 33 dedicated individuals volunteering for the Department; but this really isn’t enough to keep up with current call volumes. Ideally, we’d like to maintain a volunteer force of 45 firefighters, so we’re looking for 12 more dedicated individuals who have a strong desire to help others, work well in a team environment, and are committed to ongoing training and development.”
In 2020, Coaldale Town Council approved a property tax rebate program to drive recruitment. “Under this program, volunteer firefighters can receive up to $1,000 a year in relief from residential property taxes”, said Rutberg. “You just need to own and occupy a home in Coaldale and log 129 or more hours of service per year.”
To learn more about becoming a CDES volunteer firefighter, please visit: https://www.coaldale.ca/firefighter-recruitment. Preferred qualifications include:
- having standard, up-to-date First Aid/CPR-BLS training;
- being a Alberta College of Paramedics Registered Practitioner (EMR, PCP, ACP);
- having firefighting/medical/rescue response experience;
- having NFPA firefighter training;
- having a Class 2 or 3 Alberta Driver’s License with an Air Brakes Endorsement; and
- being available to respond to emergency calls during day and evening hours.
Minimum requirements include:
- living in the Town of Coaldale or working at a business that will allow you to respond to daytime calls;
- being 18 years of age or older;
- being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- having a valid Class 5 Alberta Driver's License with a record demonstrating responsible and safe driving behavior;
- passing a clean criminal record check, including vulnerable sector search; and
- being physically and mentally fit to perform job-related functions of firefighting.