"I like the meaningful purpose of firefighting and helping to keep the community safe. I first got interested in firefighting at a very young age when the house of a nearby schoolmate caught fire. I remember those who got out, those who were rescued, and feeling so helpless. The second experience was a terrible roadside accident and I saw firsthand how brave and qualified the first responders were and how much I admired and appreciated them."

"I have a valid Standard First Aid Certificate, CPR Level HCP, and a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. I am a trained EMR and have worked as a part-time firefighter for the past five years. I have an unrestricted "G" driver's licence but understand you may require a class "D" licence which I am willing to pursue. From your website, you prefer your firefighters to have a specialised trade. Mine is in HAZMAT."

"The key responsibility is to save lives and protect property. But, there's also a social responsibility that gives me a moral sense of victory. For instance, escorting the rescued to a place of safety and assuring that medics are on their way. Other duties include calming down frighted and injured people and limiting property damage."

"I was involved with an eight-team panel to design a safety training obstacle course for teens. The obstacle course was stopped because of the weather. We developed an alternative plan which was a question-and-answer session and a fire ground simulation. We explained that this was an example of how things don't always go as planned and to be ready with an alternate plan."

"I've discussed the irregular work schedule with my friends and family who are supportive of my career. We have devised a strategy where friends will help my family with issues that come up while I'm on duty. They also accept that I can be called away anytime for emergencies."

"Our jobs include cleaning the firehouse, maintaining equipment, and preplanning exercises. We have a daily schedule that includes strength-building exercises, inspecting construction sites, and community and education duties. Also, learning a trade such as a plumber or an electrician. We have ongoing classes in the firehouse to improve this training as well as build our core duties."

"A secondary search ensures that everyone had been extracted during the fire and to identify and eliminate any remaining hazards. In addition to ensuring there are no areas left that could reignite, firefighters also identify where the fire started."

"I see improvements being made to today's thermal imaging cameras, drones for overhead sky viewpoints, and three-dimensional map projections. I believe there will be an unmanned aerial system at every emergency response detachment. The emergence of aerial firefighting solutions for use in high-rise or wildfires is being developed. Also, powered exoskeleton firefighter suits, water jetpacks, sonic fire extinguishers, robots, and electric wave blasters."

"I would confront the colleague and remind them of what we have learned about drinking alcohol in the firehouse, and how it impairs the safety of all of us and the community. I would allow him to report his behaviour to the fire chief but if he doesn't follow through, I would report them to prevent incidents and infraction of the rules."

"Based on today's political and economic landscape I think funding is one of the major issues facing today's fire fighting industry. The problem of retention of staff is a major issue across Canada. The economic impact is also felt by volunteer firefighters which are widely used across the country. It means less training and less equipment. There's also a need to improve firefighter health issues."

"Fairs and home shows are great venues for educating the public with booths, videos, and printed material. If feasible, include a safety house trailer especially to teach how to cope with fires and door-to-door campaigns to check fire alarms and spread information about fire safety. Implement community educational outreach programmes to schools, business and resident associations."

"I would disobey an order if it was clear that the action would put someone's life at risk. If the person giving the order couldn't see or wasn't aware of the situation, I would have to depend on my critical thinking skills and assess a course of action. I would not follow an order to perform an illegal or unethical task."

"My priority is the safety of all those around the fire ground, so I would get an angry citizen away from the area to a safe place while assuring them that everything is being taken care of. I once had a citizen complain that the fire truck was blocking other traffic and I calmly explained that someone will move it as soon as possible after everyone in the structure has been pulled to safety."

"One of the most important qualities is the dedication to supporting the team followed by staying physically fit, serving the community, and solving problems. Just these few rely on the firefighter's ability to communicate, decision-making skills, courage, and passion."

"I have been a firefighter for six years, I can react quickly in emergencies, and can deal with the responsibility of leadership. I continually educate myself on non-standard systems used for first responders, am a team player, and have an analytical mind."