Paragraph 1: The End of an Era for Port Moody’s Volunteer Firefighters
The City of Port Moody, British Columbia, is preparing to bid farewell to a century-old tradition: its volunteer firefighter program. After more than 110 years of dedicated service, the city has decided to disband the program, marking a significant shift in its fire rescue operations. This decision, effective next year, comes after careful consideration of various factors impacting the program’s viability, including evolving firefighting legislation, stringent training requirements, and the increasing costs associated with volunteer recruitment and retention. The city’s mayor, Meghan Lahti, emphasizes that this transition is necessary to modernize the fire department and maintain optimal service levels for the community.
Paragraph 2: Challenges and the Shift Towards a Full-Service Model
The decision to disband the volunteer firefighter program reflects the challenges faced by many volunteer fire departments across the province. Port Moody is one of the last municipalities in the Metro Vancouver area to rely on a volunteer contingency. The city cites evolving regulations, escalating training demands, and difficulties in retaining volunteer firefighters as primary reasons for the change. Additionally, the increasing availability of mutual aid from neighboring fire departments has made it more feasible to transition to a fully professional force. This move towards a full-service model aims to ensure the fire department’s long-term sustainability and effectiveness in responding to emergencies.
Paragraph 3: Impact on Volunteers and the Community
The decision to disband the program affects 20 volunteer firefighters who have dedicated their time and skills to supporting the Port Moody Fire Rescue (PMFR). These volunteers were informed of the decision during a closed-door meeting, marking an emotional end to their service. Tyson Nicholas, president of the Port Moody Volunteer Firefighters Association, expressed disappointment on behalf of the volunteers, highlighting the long-standing tradition of volunteerism within the department and the sense of community it fostered. Despite the change, both the city and the fire department acknowledge the invaluable contributions of these volunteers and are exploring ways to honor their legacy and continued involvement in the community.
Paragraph 4: Looking Ahead: Transition and Future Collaboration
The PMFR is currently undergoing a comprehensive review of its services and has identified the need to expand its full-time firefighter ranks over the next decade. Whether this expansion will provide opportunities for current volunteers to transition into career positions remains uncertain. A meeting is scheduled between the volunteers and Fire Chief Darcey O’Riordan to discuss the city’s future plans and explore potential avenues for continued volunteer engagement. The city has expressed its commitment to working with the volunteers to identify opportunities that align with the PMFR’s evolving needs and allow them to continue contributing to community events and fundraising initiatives.
Paragraph 5: Balancing Tradition with Modernization
The transition away from a volunteer-based model marks a significant turning point for the Port Moody Fire Rescue. While the decision signals the end of a long-standing tradition, it also represents a commitment to adapting to the changing landscape of firefighting. Balancing the need for modernization with acknowledging the historical contributions of the volunteer force is a delicate task. The city aims to ensure a smooth transition while honoring the legacy of those who have served the community as volunteer firefighters. The future of fire services in Port Moody will be one built on professionalism and sustained by a full-time, adequately resourced department.
Paragraph 6: Meeting the Growing Demands of Fire Rescue
The Port Moody Fire Department faced its busiest year on record in 2023, responding to over 1,756 incidents, including a significant number of alarms and structure fires. With a current staff of 50 career firefighters, three chief officers, and one administrative assistant, the department operated with a budget exceeding $10.2 million. The increasing demand for fire rescue services, coupled with evolving industry standards, underscores the need for a robust and adaptable department. The move towards a fully professional model aims to equip the PMFR with the necessary resources and personnel to effectively respond to the growing demands for fire and emergency services within the community.
