MBC News file photo
The Norfolk County Fire Department is looking for new volunteer firefighters, with applications now open for its 2026 recruitment campaign.
Assistant Fire Chief Dave Puype said the department is hiring for Station 1 in Simcoe, Station 5 in Delhi, Station 6 in Courtland, Station 7 in Langton, Station 8 in Fairground, Station 9 in Port Rowan, Station 10 in St. Williams and Station 11 in Vittoria.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, legally able to work in Canada, hold a valid G-Class driver’s licence, pass a vulnerable sector check and live within the response district of the station they are applying to.
Puype told us the type of person that makes a good firefighter.
Unlike many careers, previous firefighting experience is not required. The Norfolk County Fire Department provides all of the training needed to become a certified firefighter.
The training program lasts about three years and includes firefighter certification, driver operator certification and first aid training. Puype said the first three years require the biggest time commitment because of the certification process. After that, most stations train one evening each week, while emergency call volumes vary depending on the community. Simcoe is the busiest station, responding to roughly 300 to 350 calls each year.
Puype said being a volunteer firefighter is about much more than responding to emergencies.
Although commonly referred to as volunteer firefighters, Puype noted members are paid for responding to calls, attending training and participating in department activities.
Applications must be submitted by August 24, along with a completed application form, driver’s abstract and vulnerable sector check. Candidates who move forward will complete aptitude and physical testing on September 12, followed by interviews in late September or early October. Successful applicants are expected to begin in January.
Puype encouraged anyone interested in serving their community to visit norfolkcountyfire.ca for full application details and instructions, reminding applicants to submit all required documents together before the deadline.
Written by Jeremy Hall
