Courtesy: Town of High Level
High Level Fire Department moves to Paid-on-Call
For nearly as long as the Town of High Level has existed, it has been served by volunteers looking to give back to their community in meaningful ways through the High Level Fire
Department. Now, in the face of declining volunteer numbers and as recognition for the time, training, and toll being an emergency responder takes on volunteers, the High Level Fire Department is moving to a paid-on-call model. This new model will see firefighters paid an hourly rate when they respond to emergency calls.
At their January 23, 2023, Regular Meeting, Town of High Level Council passed a motion to accept an amendment to the Fire Department Organizational Policy that will allow for firefighters taking part in training or while responding to emergency calls to be paid an hourly rate for their time.
“Council recognizes the vital role the fire department plays in the community in terms of both keeping people and property safe in the event of fire and other emergencies,” said Mayor Crystal McAteer. “At the same time, we recognize the realities of a service that asks so much of its volunteers. Our hope is that this opportunity will result in new, dedicated residents signing up with the High Level Fire Department.”
The firefighters will be only paid for their time while on calls and attending training, their volunteer work is still a critical part of their service and will continue for public events and support of community initiatives.
Volunteerism remains the backbone of the fire service in High Level, but the department has struggled in recent years to attract members. This is not strictly a High Level Fire Department issue. Volunteerism is declining in all areas across the country, and volunteer fire departments from coast to coast to coast have been among the hardest hit by this issue.
“High Level was one of the few communities in the province that hadn’t moved to some version of a paid-on-call service,” said Rodney Schmidt, Director of Emergency Services. “Of course, the economics are one factor potential new members might be thinking about, but I hope they will consider the other benefits – it’s challenging and rewarding and unlike any other type of volunteering you will do to serve your community. You will be gaining more than a paycheque by joining the High Level Fire Department – you will also be gaining a family of lifelong friends and a place where you belong.”
The Town of High Level is growing. It is important that we can maintain staff levels for the High Level Fire Department as this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
