DRYDEN, Ont. — Dryden city council has voted to adopt a new model for the fire service that includes a combination of volunteer firefighters and contract firefighters.
Known as the Work Experience Program (WEP), council chose it Monday night from a list of several options that were first brought forward in April.
The city began studying alternatives because of a dispute that saw most of its existing volunteer firefighters suspend their service in February.
In a news release, the city says the WEP is the lowest-cost option. "The full estimated annual cost under this model is $805, 873, down slightly in cost from the previous service model, which was estimated at a cost of $808,507 annually," the statement said.
The new model will incorporate some existing and newly-recruited volunteer firefighters, and firefighters contracted to work for a maximum of 52 weeks. The statement indicated that contract workers will have the necessary qualifications to be firefighters and first responders in Canada through their post-secondary education from a recognized firefighting program.
"This model remains cost effective and keeps the protection of our community the focus of the department," said Dryden CAO Roger Nesbitt. "Our volunteer fire fighters will continue to be instrumental in delivering our fire protection service. We thank them for their dedication and courage in performing their duties," Nesbitt said.
According to the city's announcement, a recent recruitment drive brought in about 18 potential new recruits who are currently enrolled in a mandatory 8-to-10 week training program.
Besides new recruits, it said the fire service is "moving forward" with 26 existing volunteers, additional contract firefighters, full time staff and mutual aid agreements with neighbouring municipalities.
Dryden Mayor Greg Wilson said council's top priority "since this process began has been and continues to be the safety of our citizens and property."
Spokesperson for departed volunteers calls the plan dangerous
The decision has left bitter feelings among some members of the community.
Darren Trist, a representative of the volunteer firefighters who walked off the job in a dispute with Fire Chief Ryan Murrell and the city administration, was quick to criticize council's decision.
Trist outlined three reasons he is skeptical that the plan will succeed.
- Contract firefighters will only be in Dryden for a maximum of one year. "This produces constant turnaround and training...they will be looking to leave, so they will take the next opportunity they get. The model is also designed to have recent college graduates be your first truck frontline firefighters. The lack of experience is a dangerous scenario"
- The plan will leave 15 volunteers at Hall # 1 and Hal # 2, down from (the previous) 36 at Hall # 1 and 15 at Hall # 2. "As these volunteers have other jobs and commitments, their response is never guaranteed, which is why it was necessary to carry so many (in the past)
- The elimination of the positions of Administrative Assistant and Education/Training Officer to help pay for the plan. "Two dedicated people, each with 18 years' experience, lose their jobs and cannot simply be replaced by short term contractors"
Trist added that the Dryden fire department "remains shattered." Those volunteers who returned to service no longer have a team, he said, and have serious trust issues with management and each other.
He said that much like the sale of Dryden Hydro, and "the mismanagement" of the Dryden Municipal Telephone System, the decision to "fix" the fire service will be remembered as an example of council not learning from its mistakes.
