Firefighter Recruitment

• Recruitment Process

  The CDES volunteer firefighter recruitment process is as follows:

  1. Submit the online application form and your resume to the Fire Chief.
  2. The Fire Department will contact selected applicants for a panel interview.
  3. Successful interviewees will be contacted to attend a job-specific physical assessment and orientation night.  
  4. A tentative position will be offered to selected applicants who have successfully completed a physical assessment.
  5. Submit a police check, including vulnerable sector search, and a 3-year commercial driver abstract (the Fire Department will reimburse successful applicants for any costs associated).
  6. The successful applicant will be offered an opportunity to participate as a candidate in the Fire Recruit Academy.
  7. Upon successful completion of the Fire Recruit Academy, the candidate will be offered a position as a Probationary Firefighter.
• Preferred Qualifications

  Preferred qualifications for CDES volunteer firefighter applicants 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

  To serve as a volunteer firefighter under CDES, you must:

  • live in the Town of Coaldale or work at a business that will allow you to respond to daytime calls;
  • be 18 years of age or older;
  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
  • have a valid Class 5 Alberta Driver's License with a record demonstrating responsible and safe driving behavior;
  • submit a clean criminal record check, including vulnerable sector search; and
  • be physically and mentally fit to perform job-related functions of firefighting.
• Time Commitments

  CDES volunteer firefighters must commit to:

  • completing 8-10 regular training hours per month;
  • training every Monday or Wednesday night from 7:00-9:30pm;
  • attending Association Meeting Night (the first Monday of every month)
  • training to NFPA 1001 Level 1 (140 hours);
  • occasionally attending fire courses occasionally on weekends;
  • responding to calls as they come in (medical calls that occur between 8:00am and 5:00pm are handled by on-duty crew); and
  • attending/participating in certain public events.
• Why Volunteer?

  There are many reasons to become a CDES volunteer firefighter including:

  • belonging to a team;
  • helping your neighbours in their time of need;
  • fostering a sense of pride in both yourself and your fellow volunteers;
  • improving your team-building skills;
  • obtaining internationally accredited fire certificates;
  • acquiring and employing life-saving medical skills;
  • receiving the Volunteer Firefighter Federal Tax Credit;
  • receiving a Town of Coaldale Property Tax Credit;
  • receiving a Town of Coaldale Business Tax Credit;
  • receiving paid for calls & training; and 
  • receiving volunteer firefighter life insurance.

Resources