Contract reached with firefighters

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 11, 2010 6:00 PM

Vernon’s mayor hopes a new agreement will bring a heated debate over firefighting to an end. The city has approved a three-year contract in which the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association will provide fire protection. “I give everyone credit for putting a lot of work and thought into this agreement,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. Considerable debate erupted last year when council considered a plan to place full-time, paid firefighters in the Landing. Some volunteers expressed concern that their services may eventually not be required at the hall. Council ultimately voted against the proposal, and Lippert hopes the contract shows support for all firefighters and the need to protect the public. “Residents want firefighters and don’t care if they’re career or volunteer,” he said. “They serve the same people and the same community.” But Lippert admits the issue of paid crews in Okanagan Landing may arise again in the future. “It will likely happen some time in that hall or another hall as the community grows. But the agreement recognizes volunteers are essential,” he said. “Right now it’s not an issue and that (change in staffing) would be a council decision.”

The contract provides increased co-ordination for training, operational guidelines and joint response between the Landing and Vernon departments. “At a full structure fire, what ever resources need to be sent will be sent,” said Don Barta, Landing deputy chief, of both departments responding. “We are pleased council has agreed to a volunteer hall and recognized the efficiencies in that.” Jeff Carlisle, Vernon fire chief, believes the agreement will create some new opportunities. “I am looking forward to working with the OKLVFA and collectively improve our emergency response system to all neighbourhood areas of Vernon,” he said. “The OKLVFA is a critical component of Vernon’s fire service.”