Learn Why Our Fire Professionals Enjoy Working for the City

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

"After 19 years with the City, you could say my career has come full circle. I began with the Edmonton Fire Department as a Recruit Firefighter, and was recently assigned to the Training branch as an Adjunct Instructor for the Recruit Training Program."
—Robb Cavell, Firefighter Qualified, Community Services

"I've been working with the City for almost 30 years. My first position with the City was as a Firefighter. I then became an Officer, then Training Officer, and am now a Lead Training Officer for the #2 Platoon. I am in charge of Firefighter recruitment training at Poundmaker Tower, which is located at the Edmonton Fire Rescue Training Academy."
—John Kokotilo, Lead Training Officer, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

"I have been with the City for nine years, and serve as a Firefighter/Hazmat Team Technician. I am a member of a professional team that provides the City of Edmonton with emergency response services that include but are not limited to fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, public-safety services and emergency medical response."
—Darren Badry, Firefighter, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

"I am a Firefighter at Station 17 in Castledowns. I have been with the City for 14 years, and last fall, I wrote my officer-qualifying course, so over the next few years, I will be moving into an acting position as a Captain in our Fire Department. Firefighters wear many hats, as we are drivers, cooks, janitors, medics, rescuers, comforters, trainers, and trainees. And every shift is different in some ways, yet the same in others. We like to follow a routine, but at any moment that routine could be broken by an event as small as a scraped knee or as big as a condominium fire. It's exciting."
—Jessica LaMer, Firefighter, Community Services

"The City has been my employer for 10 years. After completing 12 weeks of instruction at Vermillion Fire College, and receiving on-the-job training, I have recently moved into the Fire Investigation branch of the Fire Department. We investigate all fires that cause property damage, injury, or death. Our job is to find the origin, cause, and circumstances of investigated fires."
—Darren Stolk, Fire Investigator, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

SOME OF THE BEST REASONS TO JOIN US

"This fire department is quickly becoming known as a world-class organization utilizing leading-edge technology and equipment. Our administrative team truly has the best interests of the residents of the City and its staff in mind. The fair levels of compensation, excellent working environment and appreciation we receive from the citizens of Edmonton are just a few of the factors that encourage my colleagues and me to continue our employment with the COE."
—Darren Badry, Firefighter, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

"If you want to work for a world-class, progressive fire department that is supported by the City and appreciated, this is the place for you. We have a brand-new fleet of trucks and top-of-the-line equipment and training. Safety is of paramount importance, and considering the inherent risks of our job, we are considered to be some of the most well-protected firefighters in the world."
—Jessica LaMer, Firefighter, Community Services

"When I first applied, I mainly wanted a challenging and rewarding job with a first-class fire department. Once I got here, I realized the City had good people to work with. The Fire Service attracts genuine people, and I am proud to be a part of the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. The competitive wages and benefits are really like a bonus."
—Darren Stolk, Fire Investigator, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

"I first heard about working with the City of Edmonton from friends and other people I had met. They had only good things to say, so I applied. It's a wonderful organization where you can obtain a career, not just a job. It has been a very rewarding career, very exciting and enjoyable."
—John Kokotilo, Lead Training Officer, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

"Edmonton offers a world-class department, excellent training and equipment, a good pay schedule, and a family-oriented team."
—Robb Cavell, Firefighter Qualified, Community Services

QUALITIES THAT DEFINE THE CITY AS AN EMPLOYER

"The City of Edmonton is progressive, compassionate, supportive and has a positive work environment. Edmonton Fire Rescue, like most fire departments, has its own unique culture that stands separate from most other City departments because of the amount of time we spend with our co-workers. It's like having a second family. We consider that we have two homes, and are just as proud of our fire stations as our own homes. We are a very close-knit group, and that is one of the things that makes this job great."
—Jessica LaMer, Firefighter, Community Services

"The EFRS culture is different than most. We spend an inordinate amount of time together, both at and away from the fire hall. The Fire Service is very family-oriented."
—Robb Cavell, Firefighter Qualified, Community Services

"For the City itself, I would say these qualities describe it: professional, accountable, respected. And for Edmonton Fire Services, it would be well-qualified and competent. To be the best, most well-respected fire-rescue service, the men and women go above and beyond in all areas, whether it's training, protecting life and property or doing charity work."
—Darren Stolk, Fire Investigator, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

"These are three qualities that come to my mind: fair, facilitating and rewarding. Working here is like being with very close family. You get great training and lots of opportunities to learn and grow."
—John Kokotilo, Lead Training Officer, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

"Some qualities that define the City as an employer are the following: dedicated, quality people, diverse and interactive, and supportive. As for the Fire Department, I would say it is team-focused, dynamic but stable, and innovative. The corporate culture is very team-oriented. This is especially true with Fire Rescue Services. The members I work with are considered family — people I trust my life with on a daily basis whose goal is to ensure that each of us have the opportunity to return home to see our own families after every shift."
—Darren Badry, Firefighter, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

WHY EDMONTON IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

"It's a great place to work because it's an affordable place to live, learn and grow, with all of the amenities of a big city, including great job satisfaction, and good wages and benefits. The City has prioritized an ongoing vision to have a first-class Fire Rescue Service. They continue to train highly qualified employees, have great management and first-class fire apparatus, fire stations and firefighting equipment. As an employee, I feel we are a valued service. And Edmonton is a diverse, multicultural city with all types of opportunities to experience other cultures. It's fun to experience all of the different festivals throughout the summer months."
—Darren Stolk, Fire Investigator, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

"Edmonton is a great place to live and work. It offers a full array of diverse cultural events, great sports teams, and a beautiful river valley, as well as excellent public and private schools. Working for a City department provides job stability, a good salary and great benefits. And the Fire Rescue branch offers rewarding and exciting careers."
—Jessica LaMer, Firefighter, Community Services

"I've had an incredible career with the City. Every day is different. Every day is interesting."
—Robb Cavell, Firefighter Qualified, Community Services

"I have an opportunity to positively affect the quality of life for citizens on a daily basis. I truly have the best job in the world. I never know exactly what challenges I will get to experience. Working for a progressive employer is exciting and motivating because the City is very focused on continuous improvement. And being a firefighter here provides the opportunity for excellent work/life balance. The rotational shift work allows me to play an active role in raising my family and participating in my community."
—Darren Badry, Firefighter, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

"What makes the City a great place to work is that it offers equal opportunity to all employeesÑand limitless opportunities to advance in your career."
—John Kokotilo, Lead Training Officer, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF A CAREER HERE

"In almost 30 years with the City, I have trained more than 380 Recruit Firefighters, so I've been able to leave a little bit of myself with the department. Being a Training Officer is being a mentor and a teacher. This has given me great pleasure in passing on the skills and experiences that I have witnessed, and passing on the torch."
John Kokotilo, Lead Training Officer, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

"I enjoy assisting people when they need it most — protecting their health, safety, property and families. The highlight of working for the EFRS is just the number of people who stop you while you are working in the community to thank you for the quality service that we provide to the citizens of Edmonton on a daily basis."
—Darren Badry, Firefighter, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

"What's most rewarding? Working with good, quality people and doing an exciting job. The highlights are helping people during unfortunate times of their lives, and making a difference. You go home at the end of the day feeling satisfied and proud to be a part of Edmonton's Fire Rescue Services."
—Darren Stolk, Fire Investigator, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

"The opportunity to help the next generation of Firefighters by passing on my knowledge and experience is definitely what I find most rewarding."
—Robb Cavell, Firefighter Qualified, Community Services

The best part of my job is helping people, and knowing that you can make a difference in someone's life. It is hard to think of just one highlight because the job is so full of them. I love teaching children about fire safety and being a firefighter. It is such a gift to work where you feel appreciated and respected."
—Jessica LaMer, Firefighter, Community Services