With eight recruits in the midst of training, Squamish's new fire captain is a busy man.
Last week, the District of Squamish promoted firefighter Sean Sweeney to wear the captain's hat. Sweeney has fought blazes with Squamish Fire Rescue for 30 years - half as a paid on-call volunteer and half as a career firefighter.
His new position focuses on training recruits, which is in full swing, and ensuring the recruitment program and curriculum meet the department's needs. Sweeney will also oversee 911 responses to areas within the municipal boundaries.
"I will lead the full-time crew that are here during the day," Sweeney said.
Sweeney hopes to have the recruits ready for duty by the summer. This year's class is one of the smallest yet, he said, noting it's half the count that signed up last time around. The fire department currently has seven career firefighters - including two chiefs - and 55 on-call paid volunteers, if factoring in the recruits.
"Normally we get a turnover of 10 per cent," Sweeney said, noting the department will re-examine its numbers later next year.
Firefighting is about giving back and protecting the community, Mayor Rob Kirkham stated in a press release.
"Sean's new role is critical to ensure the district continues to meet exceptional fire service standards in our region," he said.
Sweeney joins Deputy Fire Chief Bob Fulton and Fire Chief Russ Inouye to form a new leadership team at the fire hall. The department had been in flux after former fire chief Tom Easterbrook resigned from his position in the summer of 2011.
