Niagara-on-the-Lake volunteer firefighters lauded by provincial group

It seems Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire Chief Jay Plato not only finds top-notch volunteer firefighters, but he also knows how to keep them.

To that end, the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) awarded the 2023 VFIS Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Award to Plato and the entire Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire and Emergency Services Department.

“It is a great honour for not only me but the entire team to be recognized at a provincial level for the efforts being made toward consistent improvements in recruiting and retaining firefighters for the betterment of the community,” said Plato.

“The Fire & Emergency Services Department’s strategic goals and objectives have achieved great outcomes, and our team aims to continuously advance the volunteer firefighter model.”

Plato was made Fire Chief last October 24 and has made it clear he inherited a very strong 110-member volunteer department.

“The Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire & Emergency Services Department’s rigorous recruitment program positively serves the community’s growing and diverse needs,” said Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa.

The Town’s Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Program candidates complete over 300 hours of training and testing over nine months before becoming active firefighters.

In 2023 thus far, 11 volunteers have graduated from the Recruitment Program.