Vernon Fire Rescue Services (file photo/Vernon Matters)

By Pete McIntyre

resignations

Auxiliary firefighters leave Vernon Fire Rescue

Apr 3, 2023 | 3:45 PM

Several auxiliary firefighters have resigned from Vernon Fire Rescue Services, but the city says the resignations will not impact the department’s ability to provide service.

“We can confirm that on March 27, Vernon Fire Rescue Services received notice that eight VVFA members (auxiliary firefighters) wished to resign,” city communications manager Christy Poirier told Vernon Matters.

Poirer did not say why the auxiliaries resigned.

“The City of Vernon does not comment on items related to personnel and will not speak on others’ behalf, so we cannot comment on their personal reasons for choosing to resign.”

One of the paid on-call volunteers who resigned told Castanet they were made to feel like second class citizens, were made to do the grunt work, and had to practice separately from the rest of the department.

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There have been many changes to fire services over the last few years, some attributed to growth of the department and others related to the pandemic,” Poirier stated. “We recognize that the changing role of auxiliary firefighters has left some feeling that the program no longer aligns with their needs.”

Poirer added Vernon Fire Rescue “recognizes and appreciates” the long service of the members who have resigned from their roles as auxiliary firefighters and “thanks them sincerely for their service” to the department and the community.

The department currently has 24 auxiliary firefighters, not including the eight who departed.

“Six are on active duty, 13 are in training, and another five are on temporary leave,” Poirier said. “The service targets to employ a force of approximately 30 auxiliary firefighters, however, the number fluctuates for a variety of reasons.”

The city spokesperson said the resignation of the auxiliary members was in no way responsible for Fire Chief David Lind’s recommendation to hire four more professional firefighters last week, which council approved.

“The notice by the VVFA members was received less than an hour before the fire chief made a presentation to council with a request to fund four new full-time firefighter positions,” Poirier stated. “The request to council was based on the VFRS Eight Year Strategic Plan and recognized pressures on the service from increased call volume and the effects of the opioid crisis.”