Welland Fire and Emergency Services

"We're really looking for people that have transferrable skills.....I like to think that the strength of the fire service has to do with the diversity of the people we actually hire."
-Deputy Chief Burt Lamoureux

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a career firefighter with Welland Fire and Emergency Services? Are you curious about the onboarding experience that’s in store for new recruits? Check out this weeks episode of "What's Up Welland".

What sound do you hear when a dragon sneezes? A fire alarm. - What's Up, Welland? Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a career firefighter with Welland Fire and Emergency Services? Are you curious about the onboarding experience that’s in store for new recruits?Well, this is the informative episode that dives into th...

We'd like to congratulate our new Training Officer Dylan Rusin. Dylan started is fire service career with Welland Fire and Emergency Services as a volunteer firefighter and achieved the rank of lieutenant. He left us to pursue a career as a full-time firefighter with Hamilton Fire Department. During his time with Hamilton, Dylan sat on several committees, where he helped with rolling out new training, tactics, and equipment. Additionally, he's also been an instructor with a third-party fire training provider.

Welcome back to the WFES family T.O. Rusin.

Deputy Chief Richardson & Fire Prevention Officer Michael Atkins were guests on "What's Up Welland" podcast this week to discuss consumer fireworks safety and to remind people that the use of consumer fireworks is not permitted in Welland this weekend (or any other time of the year except Victoria Day, Canada Day and the 3 days leading up to those two holidays)

Click on the link to listen to the pod:

Fireworks Safety: What you Need to Know - What's Up, Welland? The skyward spectacle of fireworks is beyond pleasing, but it’s paired with essential safety precautions to consider and follow. And, beyond those safety concerns, there are rules and bylaws about when fireworks may occur in the city of Welland.Ma...

Welland Fire and Emergency Services would like to congratulate Firefighter Glenn Book on his recent promotion to the rank of Captain.

Captain Book began his career in 2001 with Toronto Fire Services and has been with Welland Fire and Emergency Services since 2006.

Congratulations Captain Book.

Testing smoke alarms never gets old.

We'd like to congratulate Acting Captain Joel Myers on receiving his pin for 15 years of service to the City of Welland.

A.C. Myers has been in the fire service since 2004. He spent 4 years as a volunteer firefighter with Petrolia Fire Department before joining Welland Fire and Emergency Services in 2008.

Congratulations A.C. Myers

Welland Fire and Emergency Services would like to congratulate Platoon Chief Mark Biggins on receiving his 25 year long service medal.

Over the past 25 years, P.C. Biggins has served as a member of Fort Erie Fire Department, Toronto Fire Services, and Welland Fire and Emergency Services.

Congratulations P.C. Biggins

Welland fire and Emergency Services would like to congratulate Platoon Chief Phil Dyson on receiving his 25 year long service medal.

P.C. Dyson is currently the leader of “C” Platoon and an invaluable member of our team.

Congratulations P.C. Dyson

Welland Fire and Emergency Services would like to congratulate Platoon Chief Drew Clements on receiving his 30 year service medal.

Drew has been a member of the Ontario Fire Service for 30 years and has spent the last 25 years as a member of Welland Fire and Emergency Services.

P.C. Clements is an outstanding fire officer and currently leads WFES "B" Platoon.

Congratulations P.C. Clements

Congratulations to Fire Prevention Officer Michael Atkins for receiving his 20 year Exemplary Service medal. Michael has been a member of the Ontario service since 2002 and has held positions in suppression, public education, and fire prevention with Fort Erie Fire Department, Norfolk County Fire Department, and Welland Fire and Emergency Services.

Congratulations FPO Atkins.

Welland Fire and Emergency Services would like to congratulate Platoon Chief Mark Biggins on his recent promotion.

P.C. Biggins has been in the fire services for 26 years and has been a member of Welland Fire for the past 22 years.

Congratulations Platoon Chief Biggins.

Thinking of our friend, brother, and follow firefighter Captain Craig Bowman, as well as his family, friends, and co-workers following the one year anniversary of his passing.

Craig was a dedicated firefighter, an outstanding Captain, and an even better person. He is missed by everyone who had the honour and good fortune to know him. Craig passed away due to occupational cancer on May 21, 2023. He gave his life serving the community of Welland and his sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Our brother forever.

Do you require working smoke alarms where you live? We could use charts and grafts to explain it but the simple answer is "yes". Always yes. No exceptions. Yes, you must have working smoke alarms where you live.

Good talk. :)

We hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Victoria Day long weekend. We ask that residents and visitors please adhere to the city’s fireworks by-law. Be safe everyone and enjoy this weather !

Welland Fire and Emergency Services would like to congratulate our six newest Acting Captains on their recent promotions.

Congratulations:
AC Leigh Lacroix
AC Kyle Lehan
AC Adam Kundrat
AC Rich Laewetz
AC Jake Reynolds
AC Paul Claxton

Welland Fire and Emergency Services would like to congratulate volunteer firefighter Trever Langlois on being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

Congratulations Trever on this well deserved promotion.

Emergency Preparedness Week 2024 runs from May 5th - May 11th.

The most common multi-day emergencies that we experience in the Niagara Region occur during the winter months but emergencies can occur at any time, that's why Ontario's theme this year is "plan for every season."

Not sure what you need to do to prepare? Check out this video from GetPrepared.ca

https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/vds/bld-kt/index-en.aspx

Build a Kit Video Videos

This is just a friendly reminder that you are permitted to have campfires in the City of Welland….as long as you follow the rules.

The rules include only burning clean, dry, seasoned wood. You cannot burn garbage, yard waste, leaves or Leaf jerseys (no matter how upset you are)

For a complete set of rules see bylaw 2011-085https://www.welland.ca/ByLaws/bylaw2011-85.pdf

Welland Fire and Emergency Services would like to thank all of our career and volunteer firefighters, Training Officers, and Fire Prevention Officers for the dedicated work they do in making the City of Welland a safer place.

We'd also like to wish all of our fellow fire service professionals around the world (both career and volunteer) a safe & happy International Firefighters' Day.

Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 5 -11. As we prepare (see what I did there) to provide valuable information on our social media platforms next week, take a few minutes to listen to this week's "What's Up Welland" featuring Deputy Fire Chief Matt Richardson for a preview of some of the tips we'll be sharing with you.

Safety starts with a plan for all seasons - What's Up, Welland? Prepare yourself for an episode that’s all about being prepared in the event of an emergency. We can’t control the unexpected or predict when the unforeseen may occur, but with some thought and action beforehand, we can at least be ready.Unsure wh...