CARP – There’s a shortage of volunteer firefighters in West Carleton and the Ottawa Fire Service (OFS) wants you to help fill those empty spots.

“Think about it,” the OFS released in a statement today. “If you have what it takes, it may be one of the best decisions you make. Ever thought you would enjoy being a firefighter? Live in West Carleton? Come out to our recruit information night to get some more information.”

There has been a chronic shortage of volunteer firefighters serving District 6, of which West Carleton is a part. The need is so great, Kinburn Capt. Luc Chavin discussed the need Sunday, Dec. 8 during the OFS Station 61 hosted Breakfast with Santa in Kinburn.

Chauvin says the Ottawa Fire Services needs to recruit more volunteer firefighters, especially in Kinburn, Fitzroy Harbour and Dunrobin. Station 61 in Kinburn is down to 17 volunteer firefighters.

“We’ve lost a third of our crew over the last year,” he said.

And the crew that remains at Station 61 has is a pretty young team.

“Not only young in age, but young in experience,” he said.

The Volunteer Firefighter Information Session will be held Thursday, March 19 at the Carp Fire Station, OFS Station 64, 475 Donald B. Munro Dr. The session will run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For more information on joining the Ottawa Fire Service, click here.