Asking Albertans to Answer the Call

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - April 30, 2015) - Did you know that over 80 per cent of Alberta's firefighters are volunteers? The need for volunteer firefighters is vital for dispatch, fighting fires and administrative support across the province.

That's why the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA) is launching Answer the Call 2015 - an Alberta-wide campaign that encourages Albertans make firefighting a part of their daily lives. As part of this campaign, fire halls across the province will be hosting recruitment and appreciation events between May 3 and 9.

"There is a need for firefighters and there will always be a need for firefighters," says Bill Purdy, Executive Director of AFCA. "Most local fire halls are constantly looking to recruit new members and it's a challenge. Answer the Call will hopefully help us move the needle in the right direction."

Answer the Call 2015 is also an opportunity to publicly honour and celebrate the hard work of Alberta's current volunteer firefighters who work selflessly to help keep the province safe. Corporate donors such as TransCanada Corporation see tremendous value in the campaign and are a Chief Sponsor of Answer the Call 2015.

"We're committed to the safety and wellbeing of the communities near our operations," explains Andrea Jalbert, vice-president, Community and Sustainability. "We've supported the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association for a number of years, but this year, we're thrilled to expand our partnership to support the Answer the Call campaign. It's important to recognize the role volunteer firefighters play their communities and to support the AFCA's efforts recruit new volunteers."

For more information, visit AnswerTheCall2015.ca or contact your local fire department.

About Alberta Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA):

Alberta Fire Chiefs Association promotes excellence in fire protection. It enhances the delivery of Emergency Services through awareness, education, training, technology, and products in collaboration with all stakeholders. Established in 1948, AFCA works to promote information sharing and joint problem solving to minimize the impacts of fires on Alberta's communities. AFCA works 365 days a year to minimize the impact on Albertans due to fire and life safety hazards.

AFCA is made up of more than 450 members from full time, part time, volunteer and industrial fire services. The task of promoting excellence in fire protection now includes dangerous goods response, high angle rescue, technical rescue, emergency medical services and a host of other emergency response and prevention functions.