Parksville Fire Rescue are holding their annual open training session Monday night, welcoming members of the community interested in joining the department. (Parksville Fire Rescue)

By Alex Rawnsley

recruit call

‘See how our members train:’ Parksville Fire Rescue targeting new recruits with open practice

Jan 20, 2025 | 5:25 AM

PARKSVILLE — Those eyeing a chance to become a firefighter have a unique opportunity Monday evening.

Parksville Fire Rescue is hosting its annual open practice session at their Fire Hall on Jensen Ave. beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Assistant fire chief Steven Leidl said they encourage people to come down and see what skills are required to serve the Parksville community and surrounding area.

“It gives members of the community who are interested in becoming a member of Parksville Fire Rescue, to come into the department and see how our members train, to see what a practice entails and see some of the skills and stuff our members learn and what it takes to be a firefighter.”

Leidl said they’ve currently got just under 40 members and are always looking for more.

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A recruitment drive is typically held in the spring, with members deployed to calls in Parksville, as well as two contracted areas of the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Leidl told NanaimoNewsNOW members will be on hand to talk with those interested.

“Connect one on one, there’ll be a chance for them to talk with the members, to see what they’re learning, what they like about being part of the fire department.”

Monday’s training session will tackle a variety of skill sets in a bid to expose potential recruits to a wide array of scenarios.

Those attending are asked to dress for a cool night.

“Dress for weather because we will give an opportunity for them to go around to different areas where members are training. Some might be at the fire station, some might be at the training ground…wherever they may be.”

More information is available on the department’s website.

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