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August 2024 by A V
Avoid at all costs.
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May 2024 by Jessica Rodrigues
While I'm sure the other reviews will paint a picture of an idealized experience, I'm going to be completely transparent with my partner's experience.He completed all his pre training and medical certs in Ontario. Like many firefighter-hopefuls he applied for this position thinking it was a wonderful opportunity to build his experience and knowledge in the field from a reputable organization and personnel. It turned out this experience would be an absolute nightmare.Upon flying to the airport, where he was told he would be picked up, nobody from USS/NFRT was there. He called and waited for several hours just to finally receive an anonymous text showing him images of where a truck was parked with keys hidden. Upon asking what this was, he was told to drive this truck and pick up the other new recruits from elsewhere. He was not reimbursed for the parking lot ticket, he was not familiar with the Alberta roads and it was -35 that day with ice, he had to wait around for hours to pick up these recruits and chauffeur them 2h away to Alberta Beach.The training itself sounded decent, although the gear and such was not completely up to code per my partner's FESTI training, but hopefully that gear was just for practice. Some people quit right in front of the new trainees. Also, I'd like to point out that it's a private company, so they're essentially treating contract employees as grunt work while primarily the top management is related and making good money. That's how companies work, which wouldn't be so bad if the top management didn't treat their workers like verbal punching bags when they're having a rough day (I heard this on multiple phone calls and from workers still there), nor have their favourites they give the better sites to. There was only one municipal call during his time there (which is normal considering it's remote + winter) but unless you're assigned to the unit on duty you're not going to it. In the unit, if you just returned to site, cleaned your truck, and slept for 2h you would be expected to respond.An hour in advance, my partner was told he would be heading to an oil site by himself, working night shifts as a medical responder for an indefinite amount of time, with no other responsible person on site (apparently just one other worker who would be sleeping while he worked) which screams liability. The site was hrs away, it was pitch dark, again driving on dark unfamiliar roads to get there. He would be living out of a motel and would need to eat whatever was around (only a gas station). He told them he hadn't even received a contract yet, which they finally supplied. The contract was shocking. A clause basically said they would deduct a portion of your pay if you were on site and decided the job/situation wasn't for you. Seeing as you're alone for long periods of time in a remote area, I can understand why people would want to leave if they didn't know the full picture of what it would realistically be like living on these sites. After considering that, less pay than what he previously made, and the disorganized management it was with 100% peace that he declined signing on.He and another recruit let the Chief know, who said he was disappointed but would help arrange the ride back to the airport once they knew their return flight times. They booked their flights home and let the Chief know. Morning comes, and they're told to find their own way back or wait until after 13:00 to get a ride after their staff meeting ends... Their flight was at 13:30 so they scrambled to get a local taxi but they weren't in operation and Uber/Lyft doesn't go to Alberta Beach. In the end, a contracted worker offered them a lift to the nearest town on his way home which they were able to call an Uber from, otherwise they would've been screwed. Very unprofessional.If you're desperate to get some FF experience and have no other career prospects I feel for you, but know what you're getting into: disorganized and t
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September 2023 by daniel brisson
Very cool and fun place to work, with great staff and lots of good work experience. Would definitely recommend others to come work here and earn some work experience.
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July 2023 by Isiah.A.E Rodie
I'm from Ontario, these guy are family oriented & took me in. The company's commitment to employee development was awesome. They offered a wide range of training programs, workshops, and resources to help employees enhance their skills and expand their knowledge. The company encouraged professional growth and provided ample opportunities for advancement and was supported every step of the way.
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December 2022 by Kevin
Coming from Ontario where it’s very hard to gain firefighting experience unless you are lucky enough to live in a town with a volunteer department, Northwest is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door. You get a great mix of industrial firefighting work, and when you are not out you’re on call responding to emergencies which is the best thing you can add to your resume. If you’re able to handle long days and tough hours(if you want to become a firefighter) this is where you can begin your journey.The crews are all great, the bad ones come and go and filter through but there is a solid group here. Weekly training and access to NFPA training courses are a bonus if you are willing to put in the extra time. Anyone looking to get into the fire services should take a look at Northwest.
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December 2022 by Max DeFrancisco
I’ve been working for NWFR for 8 months. They continuously train and educate their employees setting them up for success in both the industrial and municipal side. The management is great. Their team of firefighters are solid. If you’re a hard-working individual wanting to expand your firefighting knowledge, NWFR will help you do that.
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December 2022 by Michael Kowal
I was hired in November of 2021 as a full time firefighter for North West Fire. When I first started I was fresh out of college with only NFPA 1001 and zero field knowledge. To say this company is great is an understatement. I never thought I would learn so much in 7 months. We train 5 days a week through every IFSTA skill sheet in the book. They host NFPA courses at a reduced rate for employees so your credentials are never stagnant.The leadership team; Cheif Ives, Captain Lindstrom, and Assistant Cheif Ives are fantastic. They are constantly pushing their members to be better not only for the success of the company but for your own growth as a firefighter. In these 7 months I have gained more knowledge than the entire 10 months in fire college and not to mention have been certified in countless NFPA, medical, and driving courses. The biggest benefit of the company is that they are the only company in Canada to do all 3 kinds of firefighting; municipal, industrial, and wildland. If you’re willing to work hard to become a great firefighter, I guarantee North West Fire will work hard to ensure that happens.
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December 2022 by Sunset Point Christian Camp “Cokee Schmidt”
Thank you to Onoway Regional Fire Services from Sunset Point Camp in Alberta Beach! Caption Lindstrom and his crew were great to work with during our Canada Day fireworks; the firefighters (not sure if it was the white or red shift) even helped clean up the site after the show! Much appreciated!
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December 2022 by Megan Gilchrist
I enjoyed working with NorthWest as a third party provider for my company for many years. I recently have come back into the oil patch and I’m happy to see a lot of the same faces around NWFR, which means they have experienced crews I had back in 2018.
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December 2022 by Huxley The Farmer
I feel as though the NWFR department as a whole would benefit from a reminder of the Firefighter Code Of Ethics.FC Ives, reading through your responses to many of the reviews below I am disappointed, your lack of professionalism is an unacceptable standard in a highly respectable profession.It is embarrassing to the service that you openly disrespect those who felt the need to review this department, instead of using the criticism to better your standards and performance as a department.During my time at NWFR the disorganization and lack of communication between lead members was abundantly apparent and left something to be desired, the members I worked with directly were doing the best they could given the situation.Respectfully~A concerned FF/ past employee under an aliasFirefighter Code of EthicsI understand that I have the responsibility to conduct myself in a manner that reflects proper ethical behavior and integrity. In so doing, I will help foster a continuing positive public perception of the fire service. Therefore, I pledge the following…Always conduct myself, on and off duty, in a manner that reflects positively on myself, my department and the fire service in general.Accept responsibility for my actions and for the consequences of my actions.Support the concept of fairness and the value of diverse thoughts and opinions.Avoid situations that would adversely affect the credibility or public perception of the fire service profession.Be truthful and honest at all times and report instances of cheating or other dishonest acts that compromise the integrity of the fire service.Conduct my personal affairs in a manner that does not improperly influence the performance of my duties or bring discredit to my organization.Be respectful and conscious of each member’s safety and welfare.Recognize that I serve in a position of public trust that requires stewardship in the honest and efficient use of publicly owned resources, including uniforms, facilities, vehicles and equipment and that these are protected from misuse and theft.Exercise professionalism, competence, respect and loyalty in the performance of my duties and use information, confidential or otherwise, gained by virtue of my position, only to benefit those I am entrusted to serve.Avoid financial investments, outside employment, outside business interests or activities that conflict with or are enhanced by my official position or have the potential to create the perception of impropriety.Never propose or accept personal rewards, special privileges, benefits, advancement, honors or gifts that may create a conflict of interest, or the appearance thereof.Never engage in activities involving alcohol or other substance use or abuse that can impair my mental state or the performance of my duties and compromise safety.Never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual preference, medical condition or handicap.Never harass, intimidate, or threaten fellow members of the service or the public and stop or report the actions of other firefighters who engage in such behaviors.Responsibly use social networking, electronic communications, or other media technology opportunities in a manner that does not discredit, dishonor, or embarrass my organization, the fire service and the public. I also understand that failure to resolve or report inappropriate use of this media equates to condoning this behavior.
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December 2022 by Zack Squires
North west fire and rescue provides unmatched training opportunties, one to one coaching, and leadership that is extremely knowledgeable and willing to help excel your career. Truly a place where you get what you put into it.
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December 2022 by Alexis Marie
My fiancé, who is a decorated Military Veteran of almost 15 years, recently applied to an open position at this fire department. We were astonished at the unprofessionalism displayed by Cpt. Lindstrom and the recruitment team just in a few short emails, writing unprovoked statements such as “clean that up”, “wasting our time” and “your loss”, along with a disgustingly negative undertone throughout.My fiancé had a very admirable military career that has carried over into his civilian career and is used to a certain level of professionalism from public servants. He told Cpt. Lindstrom so, as a courtesy, while respectfully withdrawing his application. This “man” clearly did not like this and responded attacking my fiancé personally. Again, we are completely aghast by this response.I don’t normally write reviews but thought it was necessary to warn any potential applicants and veterans that this is the type of treatment to expect. Also please take some time to read the responses to other bad reviews from the Fire Chief. It is then clear to see that this culture of disrespect and unprofessionalism is accepted throughout the entire department.To FC Ives, I expect your response to this review to keep the trend going but please feel free to surprise me.
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December 2022 by Rodrigo Miyake
Great place to gain experience and keep training and skills up to date.There is always training going on and chances to do hang-on practices.Friendly environment and motivated people who want to serve the community.
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December 2022 by MV Aloof
I have worked here for years and still marvel with how they do what they do.The oilfield side is committed to actually being ready for action and the municipal 911 side certainly out performs any service of similar size and budget
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December 2021 by Tim Oulette
Current Paid on Call firefighter -This is a great place to work if you want to be a firefighter. The knowledge and experience I have gained in my time with NWFR has been invaluable to the advancement of my firefighting career. The company feels like one big family, with leadership that gets personally invested in their firefighters. I can't think of a better place to begin a career as a firefighter.
