Training for new recruit firefighters from four townships within SDG Counties began with an orientation meeting in early February. Close to forty recruits from North Dundas, South Dundas, North Stormont and South Glengarry have partnered for this first-of-its-kind training initiative in the Counties. Bill Chafe, Deputy Fire Chief and Training Officer for South Glengarry, acknowledged the sacrifice and commitment of all firefighters, and their supportive families, who serve their communities at moments of greatest need.
Current firefighters must complete Ontario’s mandatory certification program that comes into effect as of July 1, 2026. In Ontario, municipalities can identify the level of service provided to the Township and certify to meet that level. A full-service fire department performs interior fire attacks, auto extrication and hazardous materials response to operations level. Any current firefighter that does not achieve a certified status can no longer perform those duties after July 2026. New recruits have two years to complete their training and get certified.
While two years may seem a long time to achieve their credentials, the training is very intensive. The recruits not only have in-person training, but also have to study, learn and pass an academic portion of the training to reach their certification. Bill Chafe, Deputy Fire Chief and Training Officer for South Glengarry, says the recruits have been organized into four platoons combined from each of the four township fire departments. These platoons will permit better training delivery and encourage recruits to build relationships and teamwork across the four fire services.
The lead instructors for the training initiative are from the townships’ fire departments participating in the combined training initiative. Two lead instructors from North Dundas, South Glengarry, North Stormont and South Dundas Fire Services will plan their department’s training weekends. As well, other qualified instructors from these fire departments will provide any needed assistance throughout the training and certification program.
Nancy-Ann Gauthier, Chief of North Stormont Fire Department, explained that the team members providing the training are accredited firefighters who have also completed certification to become instructors. Bill Chafe said the group program will have over 25 qualified instructors participating in delivering the training blended with online learning, with all components supplied by the Ontario Fire College. Study groups and one-to-one support will be established for any recruit struggling with the online or book learning portions of the training program. As well, the testing process provides academic accommodations according to the Ontario education system.
“The training and certification timeline is very demanding and will challenge the recruits both intellectually and physically at times,” said Bill Chafe. “Our team understands the importance of developing competent, confident firefighters to do the work needed to protect our communities and the things that matter most to them. I believe that a big part of why this initiative has received so much support and participation from throughout the four participating departments is because all those individuals involved believe wholeheartedly in the mission of building a strong, capable fire service throughout the eastern Ontario region.”