Council On Board To Help Dryden Fire Replenish Volunteer Firefighters

The Dryden Fire Service will soon be able to fill a major void.
Council appears to be on board with a request to appoint 12 volunteer fire fighters.
There are currently seven vacancies.
Fire Chief Ken Kurz stresses the new bodies are badly needed.
Kurz says at times they only get 10 to 18 fire fighters out on a call, noting that’s well below the standard.
He says that’s due to volunteers unable to leave work and an aging pool.
Three of the new recruits can be stationed at Fire Hall 2, filling a major hole, as the Service is currently sitting with a minimum number of 15.
Kurz says they are anticipating an additional five to six vacancies over the next two years.
He adds they currently have eight members with over 25 years experience.
There was some question last month on additional costs with the new fire fighters.
Kurz says the cost for training, medical expenses as well as uniforms and clothing is roughly $10,500.
There is $66,000 set aside in the proposed 2015 budget.
Final approval is expected next Tuesday.