Pond Inlet (Mar 24/03) - Not only did the 14 volunteer firefighters in Pond Inlet successfully complete a general level firefighting course in late January, they are also receiving praise from Nunavut's only fire training officer, Don Corbett.

I think the Pond Inlet fire department should be used as a model for the North. They have a lot of pride in what they do and they're getting out there teaching fire prevention. They've got a lot of drive - that's good," said Corbett.

He explained that the fire hall in Pond Inlet is kept exceptionally clean and attendance at practices is unusually high. Corbett was especially surprised about attendance when he found out that the department meets twice a week.

"Some communities only meet once a month and they don't even get the attendance Pond Inlet does," he explained.

Pond Inlet fire chief Elijah Kasarnak said the volunteer department works so well because each firefighter enjoys what they're doing. Kasarnak has been fire chief since last November. He said the general level firefighting course led by Don Corbett was a refresher for some and an eye-opener for others.

"This course helps a lot, even for me. Sometimes I forget little things and its a good revision," explained Kasarnak.

Firefighters in Pond Inlet are on call 24 hours a day. Jason Awa, 19, said he's happy there has not been too many calls lately. Awa began his volunteer firefighter training in January .

"I'm the youngest firefighter in town," he said.

Awa said there have not been any real fires since he started with the department. He said there was one false alarm and one house filled with smoke because the owners forgot to turn the oven off.

The most difficult part of the training for Awa was "rescue entry" where you have to search the building for people.

Corbett said the whole intent of the general level training program is to make sure firefighters are safe when they do their jobs.

There are 26 Nunavut communities with active fire department and Corbett said about 10 of them to date have received the general level training. It will take about up to 2 years before the firefighter level 1 course is offered in the territory.

Special presentations of firefighting certificates issued to Pond Inlet's 14 volunteers will be made on April 1, Hamlet Day in the community.