Alarming success for fire department volunteer recruitment
ELORA – The Erin Fire Department has 14 new firefighters joining the ranks after a successful recruitment drive in October that saw 30 applicants vying for the positions.
As other municipalities struggle with staffing volunteer fire departments, Erin continues to garner high interest, chief Jim Sawkins told the Advertiser.
Eight recruits are currently working their way through the county’s training program and will graduate as fully-certified firefighters.
Four already have certifications from other training programs, and two are professional firefighters.
The recruits will be spread across Erin’s two fire halls.
With the recruitment drive completed, both halls will be fully staffed with 31 members per hall.
New recruits are expected to start responding to 911 calls toward the end of the summer and early fall.
