Sooke Fire Rescue set to Improve Customer Service
Sooke, BC - May 13, 2010
Effective July 5, 2010, the District of Sooke Fire Rescue Service will have a minimum of two full time firefighters on shift at Fire Station 1 (municipal hall), 11 hours per day and 7 days per week. This will almost double the coverage now offered with the current 8 hour day, 5 day per week pattern. This was made possible with the recent budget approval allowing the hiring of one additional career firefighter.
Sooke Fire Rescue Service will now operate with 5 full time firefighters supplemented by a crew of 40 volunteer firefighters. With the exception of the Fire Chief who will continue working a 5 day per week shift to cover administrative duties, the remaining four firefighters will work a 4 day on/4 day off shift rotation.
Not only will the new service schedule improve response times with firefighters in the station during the daytime when volunteers are least available, it will provide more time to conduct required fire and life safety inspections. As well, opportunities will increase for additional fire safety education program for the public of all ages. New and existing volunteer firefighters will also benefit as additional and more complex training sessions can now be made available on weekends.
For more information or to enquire about joining as a volunteer firefighter, contact:
District of Sooke
Sooke Fire Rescue Service
tel: (250) 642-5422
fax: (250) 642-3840
ssorensen@sooke.ca