The Swift Current Fire Department was putting some potential new hires through the ringer on Saturday.  
 
The Fire Department was looking to fill two or three positions in its auxiliary forces, which is comprised of 16 paid part-time on-call firefighters. They go through all the training of regular firefighters with the hopes of being able to qualify for one of the community's most important jobs.  
 
Preparing the course for the trainees was Aaron Stewart, who is a Lieutenant with the Swift Current Fire Department. The job interview includes going through both the regular and modified Department of National Defense Test.  

Stewart is a veteran of many fires in and around Swift Current, and understands exactly what it takes to do the job safely. Stewart is a veteran of many fires in and around Swift Current, and understands exactly what it takes to do the job safely. 

“It includes a lot of strength and endurance and a little stuff to see if you're scared of heights,” said Stewart. “And a little stuff to see if you're scared of confined spaces.” 

Folks who were at Market Square on Saturday may have noticed the Fire Department had one of its fire engines out, with the ladder fully extended.  

It's a long way to the top if you want to join the Fire Department. It's a long way to the top if you want to join the Fire Department. 

“The ladder is kind of our heights thing,” explained Stewart. “We'll get them to crawl all the way up there, touch the top, come back down. That's just to test for if you are scared of heights.” 

There was also a blackout test and other areas that made up the test's eight main components.  
These tests and hiring pushes are done as needed, with the Fire Department looking to keep its numbers and a safe level for operation.  

“Some of these guys are going away to school, so. we're kind of constantly always hiring for those positions,” said Stewart. “But just nature of the beast.” 

If anyone is interested in trying out for the Fire Department, they can always drop off an application.  

“If we're not looking in that moment, we keep the applications," said Stewart. “If we do run a recruitment, we'll give you a shout.” 

 

In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, Swift Current Online encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the Swift Current Online app.