Regina Fire Master Plan seeks to improve department diversity and technology

Are you interested in a career as a Firefighter, or working with the Fire Department?  

Regina Fire Department has completed a Master Plan.  One of the components of the plan is a new Fire station - and developing a more diverse workforce. 

Staffing requirements for the next new station will be determined by location and size. But if the fire department is successful in another plank of its master plan, the staff may well be more diverse.

Diversity targets were discussed briefly following the plan’s approval by city council. The department’s approach will be to meet those targets. 

There is an awareness regarding cost and travel associated with education components of pre-employment requirements, so “We’re working on potential partnerships with the schools, but also looking at our own internal recruiting process, to eliminate some of those external barriers that exist out there,” the deputy chief said.

Additionally, the department has a diversity and inclusion committee that focuses directly on ways to build diversity and helps to facilitate training for staff that is meant to build on a “culture of inclusion.”

The plan also includes a diversity and inclusion plan, which is already being acted on and adopts the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) workforce diversity targets to include 47 per cent women in underrepresented professions, 14 per cent Indigenous people, 22.2 per cent people experiencing disabilities, and 16 per cent members of a visible minority. 

The Department is committed to promoting positive human relations in all aspects of the fire service, “Every member of the association regardless of race, colour, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or … disability has the right to a safe and respectful workplace that fosters professional and personal balance."

The diversity and inclusion plan will rely heavily on recruitment, community outreach and education to reach its goals. As a way to move toward those targets, RFPS is aiming to increase the applicant pool for firefighter positions by 25 women, 13 Indigenous people, and 13 people from a visible minority by 2025.

And while the physical demands placed on firefighters remain, a program through the University of Regina is now available for prospective firefighters. Students would receive “coaching and tailored guidance” on how to meet the fitness requirements for employment as a Regina firefighter.

Of course, Regina Fire and Protective Services does more than fight fires. Responding to emergency medical situations is part of the job for the department’s frontline workers. As such, about 120 firefighter paramedics are employed by the department.

The multifaceted plan, not all of which is discussed here, is “fluid” and will be reviewed annually by the department, which will then produce a report on progress, as mandated by city council.

***excerpts from Leader Post articles***

Regina Fire & Protective Services consists of seven fire stations, an education and training centre and fire headquarters. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 to reach Regina Fire & Protective Services.

For general inquiries or information, please call 306-777-7000.  

https://www.regina.ca/home-property/safety-emergencies/fire/