(Y95 News file photo)
Firefighting services in many communities rely on volunteers and we are all thankful for their service.
Most volunteer firefighters have regular jobs and the Town of Yarmouth recognizes that.
Mayor Pam Mood says that’s why they’re hosting an Employer Appreciation Day.
“The volunteers’ families and those business owners allow the volunteers to respond when the pagers go off anytime of day or night.”
A reception will be held for employers whose employees are members of the Yarmouth Volunteer Fire Department.
A date hasn’t been announced yet but it will take place during Fire Prevention Week October 6 to 12 at town hall and firefighters will be asked to attend in uniform and invite their employers to come in and receive a thank you, a certificate from council.
Mood says the town will also work with the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce to reach out to other businesses to encourage some of their employees to consider the fire department as a way of giving back to the community.
CAO Jeff Gushue read the reception proposal to council at its July 24 committee of the whole meeting.
A news release states that there are a number of employers who are not necessarily supportive of allowing volunteer firefighters to leave the workplace.
“We’re fortunate in that the volunteers that we have are able to leave the workplace to respond to the public need, whether it’s a motor vehicle accident or a structure fire or what have you,” said Gushue.
The release goes on to say that council’s goal is to work with the business community to help them become more aware of the importance of supporting their employees to become volunteer firefighters.
