Since the new View Royal Public Safety Building became operational earlier this year, a steady stream of residents have stopped by to check it out.

Some are avid volunteers, but fewer still are people who have harboured a desire to drag a hose around, climb ladders and contribute to their community in a potentially more meaningful way.

Until Aug. 31, the View Royal Fire Department is accepting applications for residents who wish to become a volunteer firefighter.

Lt. Heath Bevan, the departmentB次元官网网址檚 full-time training officer, is overseeing the recruitment process to find four to six new volunteers. He says joining the ranks, even as a volunteer, requires a serious commitment that sometimes people donB次元官网网址檛 fully understand.

B次元官网网址淲e call it volunteering, but youB次元官网网址檙e an unpaid professional. WeB次元官网网址檙e 911 (responders),B次元官网网址� he says, adding that firefighters must carry a pager when on standby. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 almost more of a lifestyle. WeB次元官网网址檙e at about 500 calls right now, so itB次元官网网址檚 basically two a day. We are quite busy for a volunteer department.B次元官网网址�

While the process of getting shortlisted for the positions is pretty straightforward, Bevan says, the time and effort required in Thursday night training sessions and actually responding to calls surprises some people. B次元官网网址淵ou might think that itB次元官网网址檚 three or four hours a week, but itB次元官网网址檚 probably more like six to eight hours.B次元官网网址�

Selected applicants will be invited to an orientation night in early September. The session will see potential recruits tested in various scenarios designed to test their physical aptitude and their ability to handle situations that can arise during emergency calls.

For example, Bevan says, a ladder truck climb tests for possible fear of heights, while an exercise using self-contained breathing apparatus gives officers a glimpse into potential claustrophobia. Another test involving ground ladders gauges a personB次元官网网址檚 ability to follow instruction and work with a group.

Recruits sit in a personal interview by officers and other members of the View Royal Fire Association. ItB次元官网网址檚 all about choosing people who can fit into the team, Bevan says. B次元官网网址淵ou want to make sure you get the right people.B次元官网网址�

He encourages interested residents to stop by the hall at 333 Island Hwy. for a chat even before submitting an application, to get a better sense of whether volunteer firefighting is for them.

Application forms are online at viewroyal.ca (follow links to the fire department page), or stop by the hall.

editor@goldstream gazette.com