Fire recruits begin training Sooke Fire and Rescue has begun training its newest recruits in a joint effort between Sooke and the Metchosin fire departments.
The 12 recruits – six in Sooke, six in Metchosin – started training last Saturday and will continue for 3.5 months. Sessions go from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every other weekend.
Upon successfully finishing all exams and practical tests, the recruits become National Fire Protection Association-certified level 1 firefighters, allowing them to start going on calls with the rest of fire crew.
“It’s a fair commitment, but when they complete everything, that certification is good anywhere in North America,” said Sooke Fire Chief Steven Sorensen.
“Their firefighter level 1 is just as good in Sooke as it is in Toronto or Texas.”