Vernon’s threat to abandon the North Okanagan Regional District’s fire training centre has Spallumcheen’s mayor concerned about the impact to the township. Will Hansma told his council that such a move by Vernon could severely impact the way the township does business as a fire department. “We’ve always been supportive of the fire training centre,” said Hansma, a regional district director. “Our fire department has certainly benefitted from it, but we may have to consider other options. It’s a very valuable asset and I’d hate to see us lose it. Our fire department has been very well served by it.” Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department chief Ian Cummings agreed the training centre has been very useful. “Starting with our recruiting new firefighters, when we bring them on they go through the training course, teach them fire ground activities, fire behaviour, teach them how to be firefighters at a basic level,” said Cummings. “When they get on to the fire department, they can go out on calls and do it safely. It’s quite an intensive course. If we were to lose that it would set us back many years.” Vernon has stated it will withdraw from the service because of the costs involved and because some courses aren’t certified. In 2010, Armstrong and Spallumcheen paid $5,614 and 8,643, respectively, in tax requisition for the fire training centre.
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Even though he could be doing other things with his time, Spallumcheen Coun. Dave Brew has agreed to sit on a review panel for the North Okanagan Regional District’s fire training centre. Brew reluctantly accepted Mayor Will Hansma’s request to serve as the delegate. “I enjoy the reviews but it’s a waste of time,” said Brew. “Most of the panel sits on the (NORD) board, and it’s just another meeting for 60 per cent of board members. “To me, it’s a waste of my time. This could be done at the NORD board. There are two or three of us so-called independents. The rest will push forward anyway.” Hansma, a NORD director, believes the review is beneficial. “I think it’s important to have independents sit in on the review committee,” said Hansma. “I value their point of view when we review their decisions.”
1 comment:
Wouldn't it be wonderful to help other people who are in need? It is good to know that there is a course such as fire warden training. The course provide participants with the knowledge, training and practical skills to effectively perform the role and responsibilities of Building Fire Warden.
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