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Our Mission & Values

Guiding principles that drive our commitment to community safety

Our Mission

To protect the lives, property, and environment of Red Islands and surrounding communities through professional emergency response, comprehensive fire prevention education, and unwavering commitment to service excellence— all delivered by dedicated volunteers who embody the spirit of community protection.

Fire Department Vision

Our Vision

To be the model volunteer fire department in Nova Scotia—recognized for operational excellence, community engagement, and the highest standards of emergency service delivery.

We envision a future where:

  • Every member is fully trained, equipped, and prepared to handle any emergency
  • Every resident feels safe knowing professional help is just minutes away
  • Every child learns fire safety principles that will protect them for life
  • Every volunteer finds personal fulfillment in serving their community
  • Every emergency receives a rapid, professional, and effective response

This vision drives our daily operations, guides our strategic planning, and inspires our volunteers to maintain the highest standards of service.

Our Core Values

The foundation of everything we do

Courage

We face danger with bravery and determination, placing ourselves between harm and our community. Our volunteers demonstrate physical and moral courage every time they respond to an emergency, making split-second decisions that protect lives and property.

Commitment

We are dedicated to serving our community 24/7, 365 days a year. This commitment means sacrificing personal time, maintaining rigorous training schedules, and being ready to respond at a moment's notice—because our neighbors depend on us.

Community

We are proud members of Red Islands, serving our friends, families, and neighbors. We believe in proactive community engagement through fire prevention education, public outreach, and building relationships that strengthen our collective safety and resilience.

Excellence

We pursue the highest standards in training, equipment, and operations. Continuous improvement is not optional—it's essential. We learn from every call, refine our techniques, and stay current with the latest firefighting and emergency response methodologies.

Strategic Goals

Building a stronger, more capable department

Fire Department Training

Enhanced Training Programs

Objective: Ensure every volunteer receives comprehensive, ongoing training in firefighting, medical response, rescue operations, and incident command.

Initiatives:

  • Weekly hands-on training sessions with rotating focus areas
  • Annual certification and recertification programs
  • Joint training exercises with neighboring departments
  • Specialized courses in technical rescue, hazmat, and advanced medical response
  • Leadership development for officers and future leaders

Modern Equipment & Facilities

Objective: Maintain and upgrade our apparatus, tools, and facilities to ensure reliable, effective emergency operations.

Focus Areas: Regular maintenance schedules, strategic equipment replacement planning, facility improvements, and technology integration for enhanced communication and response coordination.

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention

Objective: Build and maintain a robust volunteer force capable of meeting all emergency response needs.

Strategies: Active community outreach, junior firefighter programs, mentorship initiatives, recognition programs, and creating a supportive, inclusive department culture that values every volunteer's contribution.

Community Fire Prevention

Objective: Reduce fire incidents through proactive education and public awareness programs.

Programs: School visits and youth education, home safety inspections, smoke alarm installation campaigns, public fire safety demonstrations, seasonal safety messaging, and partnerships with community organizations.

Regional Cooperation

Objective: Strengthen mutual aid relationships and collaborative emergency response across Richmond County and beyond.

Collaboration: Joint training exercises, shared resource agreements, unified incident command protocols, and coordinated public safety initiatives with neighboring emergency services.

Volunteer Firefighter

The Volunteer Commitment

Serving as a volunteer firefighter with District #10 means more than just responding to emergencies—it's a comprehensive commitment to community protection and personal excellence.

What We Ask of Our Volunteers:

  • Availability: Respond to emergencies when possible, balancing personal life with community needs
  • Training Participation: Attend regular training sessions to maintain and improve skills
  • Physical Fitness: Maintain the physical capability to perform demanding emergency work
  • Teamwork: Work collaboratively with fellow volunteers in high-pressure situations
  • Continuous Learning: Stay current with firefighting techniques, safety protocols, and best practices
  • Community Engagement: Participate in public education and department outreach activities

What Volunteers Gain:

  • Professional firefighting and emergency medical training
  • Leadership and teamwork skills applicable to all areas of life
  • Deep sense of purpose from serving your community
  • Lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers
  • Recognition and respect as a community protector
  • Personal growth through challenging, meaningful work
Join Our Mission