By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Five new members have joined the Witless Bay Volunteer Fire Department since the end of May, and four of them are women.
Fire Chief Jack Gatherall said the influx of female volunteers is a huge step forward for the department.
“It shows the fire department is an open, progressive and welcoming team - breaking down the old boys club mentality and empowering younger women to take on these critical roles,” Gatherall reported to council at the June 9 public meeting.
He went on to say that the onboarding and training process has also come a long way, as the department plans to train and ease new recruits into a more active role.
“Long gone are days where you started on one night and immediately got handed a pager or a key,” said Gatherall. “To ensure the highest level of safety these recruits will undergo proper rigorous training.”
The fire chief added that the new recruits begin shadowing veteran members on calls later in the summer.
With these new additions, Gatherall said the department now has 33 active members and is closing the recruitment window for the remainder of 2026.
He also provided council with an update on some individual member certifications and training that the town had invested in.
“Sending members to these courses isn't cheap, but the specialized knowledge, hands-on skill, and regional networking that they bring back to our town is priceless,” Gatherall said.
He also told council that the department is working on a five-year operational plan to give to the fire department committee in July. He said it will be a comprehensive plan to map out a route moving forward, including projecting what new gear will be needed and when equipment will be retired and need to be replaced.
Council later approved an expense of $3,750, plus HST, for specialized rope rescue training sessions for the department, as well as a purchase of a specialized forestry pump and hose kit at a cost of $6,044 plus HST.
