Saskatoon Fire Department welcomes 10 new recruits
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) welcomed 10 new firefighter-paramedics to the fire service at a private graduation ceremony this afternoon. The ceremony recognized the recruits’ successful completion of their comprehensive training programs, and each were presented with their badges and battalion assignments.
All 10 firefighter-paramedics have completed basic training in firefighting, technical rescue, hazardous material mitigation and fire inspections. They are also certified to the level of Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and are licensed through the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics. Their training and experience have prepared them for operating effectively on high-hazard emergency scenes.
“Firefighter safety is a top priority at SFD and the best way to ensure that our firefighters can perform their duties safely and effectively is through comprehensive training. Over the past four weeks, our team of Fire Service Instructors have worked with the recruits to review their firefighter and paramedic skills and further develop the necessary competencies they need to execute their duties in the face of challenging situations”, says Anthony Tataryn, Assistant Chief of Staff Development and Safety. “As a fire department, we aspire to lead in training, recognizing the critical role it plays in the safety of both our staff and residents.”
In 2022, SFD set a record of 21,848 incidents; a 55% increase in call volume since 2018. The data in the first quarter of 2023 continues to reflect the climb in incidents.
“Our firefighters don’t just respond to fires. They are trained in a wide scope of emergency response,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “The growing number of incidents in our city puts added demands on our firefighters on the frontline and so it’s important that we bring in recruits who are not only eager to respond to high-hazard situations but are also qualified in a variety of skill sets.”
The new firefighter-paramedics will start their first shifts beginning Monday, May 8.
Chief Hackl adds, “We are excited to welcome these 10 firefighter-paramedics to the fire service and we look forward to their continued success at SFD.”