Saanich, BC – During National Volunteer Week April 15 to 21, the Saanich Emergency Program celebrates the dedication and commitment of its volunteers. Many volunteers have served with the Saanich Emergency Program for several years and some have served for decades.

“Our community is stronger and more resilient with these volunteers supporting the municipality,” said Deputy Fire Chief Frank Macdonald. “We’re grateful for the enthusiasm our volunteers bring to the program throughout the year.”

Quick facts

• The Saanich Emergency Program’s mandate is to provide for continuity in government and the preservation of life and property through a coordinated response by elected officials, municipal departments, volunteer services and outside agencies.
• The Emergency Program is currently recruiting for positions in the Emergency Radio Communications and Emergency Social Services components. The next volunteer information session is Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 7 p.m. at Gordon Head Recreation Centre, 411 Lambrick Way. Call 250-475-7140 to register or for more information.
• Emergency Program volunteers made a significant contribution supporting wildfire evacuees in summer 2017. Four volunteers deployed to Kamloops, while many worked shifts at the provincial Call Centre in Victoria. Volunteers also tended to 12 call-outs to support evacuees from the interior who arrived in Saanich. The community and province is fortunate to have dedicated and skilled responders willing to give their time and expertise.
• If a Saanich resident is evacuated from their home and requires support, volunteers respond to their needs. The Emergency Program has volunteers on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.
• Emergency Program volunteers attend over 15 Saanich based summer public events to promote preparedness, dedicating more than 150 hours of their time. In addition to these events, volunteers support the Grade Four Emergency Preparedness Program that delivers 30 presentations to over 1,100 students in 24 schools.

More information about the Saanich Emergency Program is available on saanich.ca or on Twitter @SaanichFire and @SaanichEP.   

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Media contact

Frank Macdonald, Deputy Fire Chief
Saanich Fire Department
250-475-5503