medic

firefighter

Northwest Fire Rescue & Training

This place is not what is as advertised. This company has multiple others that umbrella underneath it. Why would you need 3 different company names if you’re running such a good business?

NWFR competes against a paid on call department in the area. They’ll state it’s an auto aid “agreement” but the relationship between the two is volatile. We did not train with the department once while I was there…
They lack in volunteers and paid staff which is why there are DOZENS of job postings each month. 

Huge turnover is personnel. Most do not stick around. All the high ranking staff/management are related to each other. 

If you’re an exited kid fresh out of Lakeland with your 1001’s or someone looking to get into the fire service in general, these guys will tell you whatever you want to hear in order to have you work for them.

Ask anyone in the industry about NWFR and see what they say. Form your own opinion before driving to Onoway for broken promises. 

 

An absolute waste of time . They promise you a dream of working industrial fire and medical Jobs but fail to mention that they don't pay you anywhere near industry standard. They give you a hope of "achieving" the next level of employment ( lead or whatever they call it now) and never actually get you there - regardless of doing their required courses. The cheif has had allegations against him multiple times. They expect you to work away for litteraly no pay unless you're on a job. The cultural is terrible. The only pro is that you do 2 weeks on 2 off and some of the guys that you work with are pretty cool. This should be advertised as a municipal paid on call position. Be aware as they have changed their name. Stay away from onoway 

I worked for nwfr for a year. I wish someone would have told me the money and employment was not worth the time. Responding to calls and living in station were awesome however the pay is horrible in both the municipal side and Industrial. Everyone I worked with has moved on to better companies in grande prairie and have been in there respective careers for a year or more now. I myself have moved on to a better Comal ay that actually trains and sends you to school to get further education. Best advice look around and ask around about options but at all cost avoid North West fire 

I have worked at NWFR for many years and believe that it is a great place to work. The team is very motivated and are always being given opportunities to improve skills and acquire new levels of training. Entry level positions do not offer great compensation but members are offered salaries after getting experience and meeting training requirements. I receive a competitive salary and benefits and am very satisfied with my job.

If you are looking to gain experience and want to run calls, stay away. Volunteer with Beisker fire, way better option. Also if you have worked here and are currently working here, remove it from your resume, it puts a negative name on yourself. 
I would recommend not coming here even if you are new, because it starts your fire career on a bad foot

Management is awful, they only look out for their paid family members . They lied about wages and how you would be paid . Great concept of the company as paid fire department / training and dipping into oil field work but mismanaged. They are very unprofessional and have seen the chief and captains belittle border line harass workers. Very high turnover rate due to management . 

Ever wonder why their alway hiring,  definitely something to think about before leaving your current job to give them a try.  High turnover of employees,  when you start they make lots of promises but don’t always follow through.  There are way better options to get your start in firefighting.  If it seems too good to be true it usually is

Broken promises and they only watch out for the employees who are part of the family. If you live far you better have money to pay for your own gas and when you get there you better have money to pay for your own food. When you finish a course they hold the certificate over your head until they are satisfied with the amount of free labor that you have worked. 

High ranking firefighters are all directly related to the chief. You won't get paid what you're stated. You're worked like a dog basically to make the chief more money. This fire station is paid by the local government. 
Something shady is going on over at Northwest/onoway regional fire department.  

It is cool to be able to respond to municipal calls however that does not our weigh the negatives of this company. Poor quality equipment, overall bad culture, grossly underpaid for hours you will be working. I would stay away and place your energy elsewhere.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Medic 6 salaries reported	$200 per day
Firefighter 3 salaries reported	$53,000 per year

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