The third meeting of the Community Fire Hall Advisory Select Committee (ASC) on March 21, 2018, focused primarily on Creston’s Fire Rescue services and programs. Fire Chief Mike Moore began with a historical review of the service, then moved on to an analysis of response statistics, reportable fires, fire rescue revenue and budget challenges, among other presentation items.
This presentation was the second of two sessions designed to address the ASC’s self-identified lack of baseline knowledge of Creston’s Fire Rescue service.
Following the hour-long presentation, the ASC offered the following four observations:
• There was clear evidence shown in Chief Moore’s presentation that Creston receives a high level of fire and rescue service at an extremely low cost.
• The ongoing training requirements of fire personnel/volunteers to reach core competency was noted by ASC members, as was the increasing number of training hours required to fulfill those competencies.
• The Work Experience Program (WEP) as adopted by Creston Fire Rescue is a vital resource that adds five firefighters to the firefighting team. Committee members agreed it provides a superior service for low cost.
• The ASC remarked upon the importance of ongoing recruitment and training of volunteers, suggesting that communication regarding Creston’s fire training program is vital.
The ASC’s third meeting was held at 6:30 p.m. in the Chambers of the Town of Creston’s town hall; subsequent meetings are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on select Wednesday evenings from March to June 2018.
The ASC was formed to make recommendations to Council on the future of Creston’s fire hall and associated fire protection services to meet the province’s legislative/regulatory requirements and industry standards.
To read Chief Moore’s March 21 presentation materials, click here.
Submitted by Kerry McArthur | Community Fire Hall Advisory Select Committee Facilitator | Communications Coordinator