The City of Vernon has clarified a recent council matter regarding the expiration of an agreement with the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association (VVFA).
In a declassified motion from Vernon council's Dec. 9 meeting, fire chief David Lind, who is the director of fire rescue services for the city, recommended that council not renew the city's agreement with the VVFA, with the current agreement set to expire Dec. 31, 2025.
According to the city, a current agreement with the VVFA is no longer required, as the association has been dissolved into Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS).
For over two decades, VFRS has employed auxiliary firefighters, who are paid employees of the corporation. The term volunteer in the VVFA's name is historical and does not reflect the employment relationship between the city of Vernon and its auxiliary firefighters.
“Something in common between volunteer firefighters of the past and today’s auxiliary firefighters is a strong desire to be of service to the community,” said Lind. “These firefighters apply for positions, undergo interviews, and meet training and operational standards. Auxiliary wages are conservative and not a primary motivator for becoming an auxiliary firefighter.”
The agreement's expiration does not affect the status or responsibility of the firefighters, as the city will continue to employ 13 auxiliary firefighters, who will remain city employees after the expiry of the agreement.
Recruitment efforts are underway to expand the auxiliary team, and the city thanks all past and present firefighters for their service.
In April 2023, eight VVFA firefighters simultaneously resigned after “months of neglect, failed mediation and all-around disrespect to the members of the VVFA," according to a firefighter who wished to remain anonymous.
VFRS employed 24 auxiliary firefighters at the time, with six on active duty, 13 in training and five on temporary leave. The service aimed to employ a force of approximately 30 auxiliary firefighters.
