Serious interest was expressed by about a half-dozen citizens during the May 24 public information effort by members of Sooke Fire Rescue at the Evergreen Centre.

Chief Bob Kelsey and Deputy Chief Steve Sorensen put in grill duty during the event, cooking and serving hot dogs while other members including Garry Hof and Caty Boily manned the department’s ladder truck and fielded questions about being a volunteer firefighter. One young prospect, Samuel Hofer, was sold on the idea of joining the department but he might have to wait a while.

Obtaining personnel is a constant and growing issue for the local department, and, according to Kelsey a challenge for departments across the country.

Hof was pleased to supply information packages to those who expressed an interest.

The folks indicated they would attend a June 18 open house at the fire hall. Hof feels if even half pan out the effort on the day will have been well worth it.

If this type of valuable volunteer service is something that would appeal to you, call the department at 642-5422, or watch for upcoming recruiting programs to be held on June 15, Canada Day, and August 9 when they hope to have a car to cut up in an extrication demo.