City of Vernon allowing agreement with volunteer firefighters association to expire, clarifies role of auxiliary firefighters

Jan. 14, 2025, Vernon, B.C. — The city of Vernon will allow its agreement with the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association (VVFA) to expire on December 31, 2025 to better reflect the city’s partnership with Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS).

“For more than two decades, VFRS has employed auxiliary firefighters, who are paid employees of the corporation,” the city said in a press release. “The term ‘volunteer,’ in the VVFA’s name, is historical and does not reflect the employment relationship between the City of Vernon and its auxiliary firefighters.”

The expiration of the agreement does not affect the status or responsibilities of 13 auxiliary firefighters currently employed by the city, and recruitment efforts are underway to further expand the auxiliary team.

“Something in common between volunteer firefighters of the past and today’s auxiliary firefighters is a strong desire to be of service to the community,” said Fire Chief David Lind in a media release. “These firefighters apply for positions, undergo interviews, and meet training and operational standards.  Auxiliary wages are conservative and not a primary motivator for becoming an auxiliary firefighter.”