A candidate gets ready to go into the blacked out confined space for part of the test. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

P.A.'s next firefighters

P.A. Fire Department looking for potential recruits

Sep 5, 2019 | 5:36 PM

The Prince Albert Fire Department is looking for a few good people.

This week the department put prospective recruits through a variety of tests, both inside and outside the classroom.

Acting Fire Chief Kris Olsen said the department currently doesn’t have any open positions right now, but wants to be prepared when they do come open.

“Probably in the future we’re looking at some retirements,” he said.

Olsen said they expect to put around 30 people through the testing process.

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On Thursday afternoon behind the fire hall, potential firefighters were put through a range of physical tests which included running up and down several flights of stairs, to drills pulling hoses.

Besides the physical component there were also some job specific tests, which included lifting a ladder, climbing a ladder and working in a blacked out confined space.

“They’re to establish whether they can do the job or the job required of them,” Olsen said.

Thursday was the third day of the recruiting process. To get to this point, possible recruits had to submit their applications with proof of their qualifications. They then did their written tests and also had to swim a number of lengths in a pool.

One of the potential firefighters who went through testing Thursday was Daniel Laviolette who currently works in La Ronge as a paramedic. He is going through the testing and recruitment process in P.A. for a second time. He said the physical testing portion was not easy.

“The physical part was actually really challenging. There’s a lot of different aspects to it [with] the combined strength and cardiovascular health,” he said.

Laviolette, who is originally from Saskatoon, does have previous experience working as a firefighter as he was employed in Yorkton in a temporary position. He explained he has always looked up to people who work in emergency services which led to him entering the field.

When it came to advice for people considering the recruitment process, Laviolette stressed people looking to get into the field need to be persistent and make sure they have everything in order in regards to training and education.

“There’s many ups and downs. You’re going to get told more no’s then yes’s. Just keep your head up and if you want something you’ve got to work for it,” he said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn