SJRFD Chief Announces Goulds Transition to Full Time

Today, St. John’s Regional Fire Department Chief Sherry Colford, Councillor Wally Collins, and Assistant Fire Chief Sean Hemeon announced that the St. John’s Regional Fire Department Goulds Station, will be transitioning from a volunteer service to a full-time station within the next three to four years.

“I thank all Goulds Volunteers, past and present, for their service and dedication to the community,” said Fire Chief Sherry Colford. “This decision was not made lightly, the Goulds volunteers have worked very hard and dedicated much of their time over the last 43 years.”

There are many processes that will take place before Goulds becomes full time. Land and funding will be determined; a new station will be designed and built; and recruitment for new full-time firefighter positions will take place.

“While we feel that Goulds volunteers could continue to provide a positive level of service for the area, and will continue to do so for the next three or four years, we also believe that the time has come to begin providing a full-time service to the entire Region,” said Councillor Wally Collins.

During the next four years SJRFD will remain a composite department with Goulds Volunteers continuing to provide a volunteer service during evenings and weekends.

“This is an exciting time for our department as we work to enhance the service we provide to our region,” said Assistant Fire Chief Sean Hemeon. “I am confident that all members of the department will continue to work together with our volunteers as we move towards a new full-time service.”

The St. John’s Regional Fire Department includes a variety of divisions including the 911 Communications Centre, Fire Prevention, Training and Operation services from eight stations throughout the region. Through these divisions the SJRFD is able to provide a range of emergency and public assistance services.

“We have some of the best firefighters in this country and I look forward to working with staff to provide the resources and training needed to continue to be one of the leading departments in Canada,” said Chief Colford.