Fire & Rescue welcomed 17 fully certified new recruits to the local brigade at Shire Hall last week.

With Councillors, staff, Station Captains and friends and family looking on, Interim Fire Chief Tim Kraemer introduced PECFR’s first internally delivered Recruit Volunteer Firefighter Class.

Becoming a firefighter requires tremendous commitment. Every member of the graduating class dedicates hundreds of hours of their personal time to learn the knowledge, skills, and discipline required to serve safely and effectively.

Acting Deputy Fire Chief and Training Officer 
Patrick Howe celebrated the 
“enormous commitment of time, energy, 
and personal sacrifice 
from each and every one of our recruits.”

“What makes this achievement especially meaningful is that these individuals have chosen to serve their community as volunteer firefighters,” Chief Kraemer said. “They are your neighbours, coworkers, and friends who have stepped forward to answer the call when their community needs them most.”

“Firefighting is built on teamwork, trust, and service. Tonight, we are proud to welcome these recruits into that tradition,” he added.

Acting Deputy Fire Chief and Training Officer Patrick Howe noted that the Class of 2025 actually started in September 2024 with a recruitment drive and, for the first time, an Open House that welcomed not only candidates, but their families.

That was a deliberate choice: “when someone joins Fire & Rescue,” said Mr. Howe, “their family joins alongside them.”

From January through November 2025, the class completed Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, and HazMat Operations training, accumulating over 3,000 training hours.

“That figure represents an enormous commitment of time, energy, and personal sacrifice from each and every one of our recruits,” he said.

Over 800 instructor hours were dedicated to the class. Organizational partnerships with the Ontario Fire Marshals Office, the Hastings and Prince Edward Mutual Aid Association, and Shantz Towing brought together the staff, the learning material, and the firefighter testing needed to make the program a success. 

“You leave today with internationally recognized firefighter certifications that represent real competency. That is something to be proud of,” Mr. Howe said. “Our fire service and our community are fortunate to have you join our ranks. As you begin your career as a certified firefighter, know that you have the confidence and support of the department behind you, and we will always have your back.”