Council has endorsed a recommendation from Fire Chief Chris Harrow to expand the number of auxiliary firefighters on the force from five to eight.
The recommendation comes following a successful recruitment drive by the department.
“Over the next year, and extending on into the next few years, we are anticipating some retirements in a couple of the stations,” the chief said in a report to council on Aug. 2.
“In order to prepare for these, I believe it is important to have auxiliaries trained, ready to step up. Hiring them now allows us time to get them properly trained.”
The chief added, “The position of auxiliary allows for a new firefighter to receive the proper training and achieve all of the training sessions and is sent to courses to become fully trained to assume a vacated firefighter spot. It is essential for the department to continue to run seamlessly when retirements occur.”
The chief stated that due to the numerous resumes received, 10 or 11 auxiliaries could be hired for the three Minto fire stations.
The average auxiliary firefighter gets paid between $750 to $1,000 annually with a base rate of $250 a year. They are also paid $30 per session for training they receive.
Harrow said money for extra personnel could be covered by the department’s existing wage budget.
Council also approved the department’s continued participation in the Wellington County Mutual Aid Plan.
“It is important for the municipality to agree to participate in a county mutual aid plan,” Harrow said in a report.
“It allows us to call in resources when we have large incidents or need more staffing. It is used quite often at all structure fires and with the increasing demand being placed on the volunteers, will be vital going forward. The plan also allows us to give resources to neighboring municipalities when they require it.”
Council also approved a new fire agreement between Minto and Howick Township.
“The Minto Fire Department Clifford Station has traditionally provided emergency responses and fire inspections to part of Howick Township for a number of years,” the chief said.
“The agreement became outdated when they formed their own fire department in 2010.”
The 2011 fee for service is $17,716, increasing by two percent annually to $18,070, $18,431, $18,000 and $19,176 for the remaining four years of the agreement.
