Stephane Major is from Quebec and works as a parts clerk at Ile-Perrot Nissan. He is also a volunteer firefighter. Wearing these two hats, this Saint Lazare resident has been helping his community for 19 years now and had to adapt to new standards since the pandemic started.

Like most volunteer firefighters, Mr. Major works at his main job during the day and then begins his second commitment weekday evenings and weekends.

Being a volunteer firefighter truly is a voluntary role. Volunteer firefighters decide themselves, based on their profession, education and family life - to make themselves available to apply their skills and dedication to the service of his or her community.

Since the start of the pandemic, many Quebecers have begun working from home, following the lockdown requirements. Although, this is not the case for everyone. In particular – the firefighters who continue following through with their missions while adapting their everyday life to the new regulations.

"Several measures were put in place since the beginning of the pandemic," says Mr. Major, "We disinfect the trucks after each mission and we now have more protective gear, including masks under our visors, gloves and gowns. We respect the physical distance measures as much as possible. Our top priority is the health and safety of our community and our people."

Among other things, firefighters had to review the ways they respond to emergency calls. Since the start of COVID-19, contact amongst the firefighters in barracks and interventions on-scene has been limited, in order to avoid any risk of infection between staff.

The main duties of a firefighter include – responding to fires, accidents, building collapses, as well as assisting victims, providing first aid, and educating the public about safety. In Quebec in 2018, there were approximately 20,9681 firefighters in total, including 9,536 volunteers.

The firefighter community has its own hierarchy with different ranks and stripes. Mr. Major is Chief Operating Officer, making him responsible for his team and the director of operations.

"As a volunteer firefighter, I am also on duty every month for a week," says Mr. Major. Being on duty means answering the phone throughout the day and night and being present on each mission. During the day, the career jobs of volunteer firefighters remain a priority, so when the phone rings – they do have the option to assign someone else to the task.

Being a firefighter is a risky job, but a rewarding one. "It is not always easy, but when we attend moments as beautiful as childbirth, for example, it reminds us why we volunteer for this. Those moments remain forever engraved in our memory,” specifies Mr. Major.

Thank you Mr. Major for giving us your testimony, telling us about the profession of a volunteer firefighter – an exceptional job serving all on the front line during the COVID-19 crisis.

For more information about volunteer firefighters and how to apply, you can contact the head of the nearest rescue centre in your hometown.

https://www.securitepublique.gouv.qc.ca/securite-incendie/quebec.htmlOpens in a new tab.