New recruits Mathew McMullen and Amanda Mason-Espin at Fire Station #2 June 19, 2020 (photo courtesy Colton Mckee)

By Chantal Wagner

Two new recruits for Medicine Hat Fire Service

Jun 19, 2020 | 4:32 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat Fire Department has been in a recruitment process for new firefighters since the beginning of the year.

Now 6 months later, two new probationary firefighters have been hired.

Which includes the station’s first female member after over 100 years as a force.

Probationary firefighter Amanda Mason-Espin says anyone who wants to be a firefighter can.

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After working at the Banff Fire Department since 2016, she made her way down south as one of two new recruits for the Medicine Hat Fire Department this month.

Originally from Ontario, Mason-Espin says she knew she always wanted to be in emergency services or on the medical side.

“As I started my career in emergency services I slowly gravitated towards fire because it changes every day and you always have new opportunities and get to use as many skills as you can.”

In Banff, she says the department was paid-on-call, so Medicine Hat is her first full-time role.

“It’s going really well, all the guys are really nice and they’re willing to teach and accept new people in,” she said.

The Medicine Hat Fire Department recruits about every two years based on expected retirements.

And since 2012, the station hired 39 new firefighters, 6 of which have been in the last 18 months.

Assistant Deputy Chief Chad Eakins says they had about 150 applicants this round.

“We’re looking for the best overall candidate regardless of gender, race, or what you identify as and that’s what we’re looking for. They need to be hard-working, committed, we’re always looking to give back to the city so all of our staff here are dedicated to the service we provide,” Eakins said.

He adds a good majority of the city’s firefighters make their career at the Medicine Hat station, with some retiring after 30-35 years of service.

Mathew McMullen also started his new post in the city this month.

And says he always wanted to be a firefighter.

McMullen is from Langdon, Alberta, and was working there as a volunteer firefighter for almost 6 years.

“I like the challenges, everyday is a new day. You get lots of skills and experiences that most people don’t get to have, give back to the community, and help out when people need it.”

Probation is one year at the station, and the recruits have 6 stages of work which includes an in-depth program of skills and probationary tests.

But for the new firefighters, it will all be worth it.

“I think every young boy wants to be a firefighter growing up and it just never left for me,” McMullen said.

Mason-Espin’s advice for aspiring firefighters is to put the work in, get your education, and be the best person.

“So if there are any little girls out there that want to become a firefighter please reach out and I’m happy to help guide them and even give them a tour of the hall,” she said.