Like the other volunteer departments throughout the Pontiac region, the Otter Lake Thorne Fire Department is seeking new members.

As firefighter Caroline Gagné explained, they currently have 18 members of the amalgamated department and while they don’t have a set target to reach, she said it would be nice to have 25 or more. Similar to other departments, there is always demand for members who work nearby and can respond to calls during weekdays.

Gagné said that an all that’s required is a high school diploma, but an empathetic personality is also a plus. Applicants must also have a valid driver’s license. She added that while there is a significant amount of coursework to complete online, trainees also learn on the job by helping carry equipment and other tasks. The application form on the department’s social media also states that candidates should have the intention of gaining a Class 4A license and also commit to two years of service following certification.

Gagné, who has been a sworn member of the department since 2015, said that the most rewarding part of the job is being able to make a difference in her community.

Thorne or Otter Lake residents interested in becoming a firefighter can send their name, address, date of birth, driver’s license number and occupation to Chief Denis Chaussé at either thornefd@outlook.com or otterlakefd@outlook.com.

The full interview with Gagné is available below: