Gravenhurst Volunteer Fire Department

Yes, like the name says, we're a volunteer fire department, but we're organized and operate just like a fire department in a city, only smaller, and without the pay.

Department personnel comprise a Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Platoon Chief, Training Officer, eight Captains, 43 fire-fighters, a Chaplain, Administrative Assistant and a Fire Prevention Officer, when all positions are filled. The department is divided into eight companies. Each company is under the direction of a Captain. The Captains are the firefighter’s immediate supervisor. They work with their companies to carry out the tasks which are assigned to them as a group. In addition to their roles as company officers, the Captains are also each responsible for a specific administrative function within the department. These portfolios include; Public Education Officer, Mechanical Officer, Specialized Teams Officer, Safety Officer and Station Officers, to name a few.

The Training Officer sets up the training syllabus, assigns instructors, monitors the progress of the firefighters through the program. On the emergency scene, the Training Officer fills a role as a company officer.

The Chief and Deputy Chief are the administrative arm of the department. They handle such areas as budget and council. Their main and most important role is that of operations chief. All activities of the department, both on the fireground and in the halls is under their immediate control and supervision.

We have two full-time postions with the department. Our Administrative Assistant looks after pretty much everything that goes on in the department, particularly if it involves paper. The second full-time position is our Fire Prevention Officer who looks after all our fire inspections. He is also involved with our Public Education Program, putting on presentations to local community groups.