HAY RIVER - Trent Atwell, the fire chief in Hay River, joined the town's volunteer depart--ment in the fall of 1997.

"It looked like an interesting thing to do as a volunteer effort, and it was," he said.

Trent Atwell has been a member of the Hay River Fire Department for 11 years and chief for the past two years. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Atwell said serving the community was also an important consideration in his decision to join.

"If you're looking for something to do as a volunteer effort for your community, this is definitely a worthwhile volunteer effort to be a part of," he said.

The 39-year-old, a parts technician at Kingland Ford, has been fire chief for two years.

Atwell said his time at the department has been exciting and eye-opening, and it has been a great place for camaraderie and making good friends.

"The department has its own family environment," he said.

As for challenges, he said it is sometimes not so easy to volunteer and work at a full-time job elsewhere.

However, he said all employers in Hay River are very understanding and support firefighters.

Being a volunteer also cuts into family time.

"It does take a lot of time away from family," said the Regina-born Atwell, who has lived in Hay River since he was eight.

"You have to make your time for family."

Recently, the department launched a recruitment drive for new members.

"There is always room on a department for new blood," Atwell said.

Currently, the department has 28 members. Last year, it had about 32 members.

"Thirty or above is what we'd like to see," Atwell said.

The department set up a table at the recent Hay River Fall Fair and received four applications.

Those applicants are going to be interviewed soon.

"We'd still like to get more," Atwell said.

Anyone applying must be at least 19 years of age, in reasonable physical shape and eager to help the department, which also operates the town's ambulance service.

Atwell said training will be provided for new firefighters.

"It's ongoing. It never stops," he said of the training.

Anyone interested can pick up an application form at Hay River town hall.

Atwell said the fire department currently has a wide variety of people among its members - an architect, machinists, linemen, computer people, retirees, a correctional worker, a nurse and others.

"It's such a wide variety," he said.

Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering can also drop into the department's open house being held on Oct. 5 as part of National Fire Prevention Week.