Although the Sundre Fire Department’s roster remains relatively strong and close to capacity, there have been a few vacancies open up among the higher ranks over the past year or so.
“We’re not full,” said Chief Marty Butts.
While the department essentially considers having 32 members as being full, there were 27 active volunteers as of last week when Butts spoke with the Round Up.
With some members relocating and others finding themselves too busy with life’s hectic schedule to adequately commit to certain roles, the chief said he faces the challenge of restructuring a roster — from lieutenants, training officers, fire prevention officer, to captain — that has largely remained unchanged for years.
“I’ve started that process already,” he said.
During the weekly meeting and training session on Wednesday, Oct. 2, Butts said he intended to announce several promotions among existing members and make sure those volunteers are willing to assume new roles and corresponding responsibilities.
“Our whole top end is going to be shuffled around,” he said.
The big changes, he added, represent an exciting chance to extend younger members an opportunity to grow and build upon their experience by fulfilling the duties of several officers’ roles. He expressed confidence going forward for a new, successful year of change.
The chief expressed pride in his department’s operations. Keeping a volunteer fire department running smoothly can be a “tough gig” and he wants to maintain the momentum that has been built over the years.
Although he does not intend to retire in the foreseeable future, Butts said the inevitability is nevertheless looming in the distance, and wants to do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition when that time eventually comes.
Meanwhile, Butts extends an invitation to anyone who might be interested in learning more about what being a volunteer firefighter entails by either connecting with Patty LaPointe, assistant to the chief, who has applications available, or by dropping by the fire hall during a weekly Wednesday night practice.
“That’s a good time to come by. We’ll walk people through the hall and do an introduction,” he said.
“Our doors are always open.”
