Firefighter Recruiting

Minimum qualifications for being a volunteer firefighter with the Dryden Fire Service are:

• Legally eligible to work in Canada
• Resident of the City of Dryden
• High school graduation diploma/Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma (OSSGD) or equivalent
• Ability to pass the minimum training requirements of a firefighter
• Valid Standard First Aid with CPR/AED or ability to obtain
• Ability to pass a physical exam required by the City of Dryden
• Have and maintain a valid Ontario driver's license - Class DZ, or the ability to obtain a DZ endorsement within one year
• Provide a current driver's abstract
• Ability to work well with others within a paramilitary work environment
• Ability to attend training sessions on a bi-weekly basis
• Ability to be on-call for response to emergency incidents
• Willingness to work in adverse conditions.

The application process for becoming a Dryden Fire Service volunteer firefighter includes the following steps.

The role of a volunteer firefighter is rewarding, exciting and challenging; some of the benefits include:

• Training is provided at no cost and is transferrable (completed to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) curriculum standards);
• Protective clothing, equipment and station wear are provided by the Dryden Fire Service;
• Remuneration is paid for attendance at training and emergency call response;
• Comprehensive insurance coverage is provided through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB);
• Accident and Sickness Policy coverage is provided through Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Service (VFIS);
• Leadership opportunities exist for advancement and responsibility;
• The opportunity to enjoy camaraderie and build lifelong friendships locally and through networking with other departments;
• Social activities are held on various occasions throughout the year;
• And much more!

Our community relies on the Dryden Fire Service to provide fire and life safety response services when needed. It is our responsibility to maintain a response-ready, well trained and equipped service. The services we provide require hours of specialized training. This training requires commitment and is critical for the safety of the public and fellow firefighters.

Dryden Fire Service looks for members who are enthusiastic, interested in serving their community and available to attend training.

Regular training is scheduled two evenings per month. Specialized full-day training sessions are held during weekends in the spring and fall (approximately two to three times per year).

Volunteer firefighters are also assigned to Company's in the fire service and are given an equipment check schedule for the year, with an assignment every five to six weeks. In addition to the fixed-schedule hands-on training, we also incorporate mandatory online training allowing members to complete assignments on their own schedule.