“Two years ago, I joined the Fort St. James Fire Department,” says Lina Gasser, “Little did I know that these two years would be filled with adventure, adrenaline and friendships.”
Fire Chief Navratil had asked her to join multiple times. Each time she declined, and told him “I don’t have a hero complex, and I don’t really like fire.”
One day after a brief conversation Chief once again asked her to join the fire department. Giving in Gasser said, “Sure, but I want to drive the Fire Engine!” Next thing she knew she was standing at the end of a hose putting out car fires during training!
Each new recruit with the Fort St. James Fire Department goes through an eight-week training program. This program familiarises recruits with the Fire Service, the Fort St. James department, basic firefighting skills, how to use gear and equipment, and the fire triangle or tetrahedron “I’ve never watched so many Bill Nye the Science Guy videos!” says Gasser.
Not six months after joining the Department Lina was sitting behind the wheel of Engine 11. “I have pictures to prove just how big my smile was!”
The Department provides incredible learning opportunities; driving courses, ice rescue, auto-extrication, skills and tactics, live fire courses and so much more. The Department also provides the opportunity to be part of a great team and to meet new people in Fort St. James.
“I encourage you to pick up an application from the District Office or the Fire Department and join the Fall recruit program which will be starting mid September,” says Gasser.
One of Lina Gasser’s recent favourite memories of being on the Fire Department is driving the ‘new’ Ladder truck through the Fraser Canyon as the Fire department brought it from Burnaby to Fort St. James.
“If you would have told me two years ago that this would be my experience on the Fort St. James Fire Department I would have never believed you!” She says enthusiastically. “Join the Department today!”
- with files submitted by Lina Gasser, Fort St. James Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and Volunteer Fire Fighter.
