Our Team

LaSalle Fire Service is considered a composite fire department. Firefighters in the Town of LaSalle are either full-time or volunteer (paid-on-call) firefighters. Both firefighter positions train to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provincial standard and must achieve certification similar to a skilled trades ticket.

Our firefighters attend training sessions bi-weekly in order to be as skilled as possible at dealing with any emergency. They are required to perform and successfully complete both written and practical testing administered by the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office.

Training is mandatory not only to achieve certification but also to maintain knowledge and ability once certification is achieved. Most training is provided internally under the direction of our Training Officer. Other subjects and seminars are provided through external organizations. 

Newly recruited firefighters must not only attend the regular training sessions but also participate in additional training specifically for recruits.

During this "probationary" period of their service to our community, recruit firefighters are restricted in the duties they perform in emergency situations.

Most importantly, they are not allowed to do interior firefighting (entering a dwelling to fight a fire). Statistics show too many injuries that occur involve new firefighters as these interior firefighting skills have not been fully developed.

Recruit training includes theory and practical training, followed by a series of provincial exams and performance related physical tasks.

Candidates interested in becoming a Volunteer (paid-on-call) Firefighter for the LaSalle Fire Service must meet minimum requirements as follows:

• minimum Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent

• valid Ontario driver's license

• must live in LaSalle, ON

• must have valid First Aid and CPR training

The hiring process includes:

• a written aptitude test

• a physical fitness test

• a swim test

• formal interview process

Volunteer (paid-on-call) Firefighter recruitment does not occur on a regular basis. When positions become available they will be posted on the Town of LaSalle Careers page and social media. 

The LaSalle Professional Fire Fighters Association (LPFFA) was established as Local 1407 in 1961. LPFFA is made up of LaSalle Full-Time Firefighters, and is a proud affiliate of the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association. The association aims to raise funds to support community programs, organizations, individuals, and families in need. The LPFFA proudly protects the residents of the Town of LaSalle. 

The Sandwich West Firefighters Association was established in 1959. It later changed its name to the Sandwich West Volunteer Firefighters Association in 1972. In 1991, following the establishment of the Town of LaSalle, the organization was renamed to become the LaSalle Firefighters Association (LFFA). The association aims to raise funds to support community programs, organizations, individuals, and families in need. The LFFA proudly protects the residents of the Town of LaSalle.   

Both the LPFFA and LFFA co-partner many community events throughout the year in our community. 

The goal is to raise funds to benefit community programs, organizations, individuals, and families in need while at the same time bonding as a group of firefighters. The firefighters volunteer their time to ensure these campaigns are as successful as possible in order to ensure our community is supported in times of need.

Some programs and activities run by the association include:

• The Detroit River Walleye Classic Fishing Derby. This annual event takes place the first weekend in May each year and is open to anyone interested in participating. A kid's fishing derby is also held at this event each year. Please see the official website for more information detroitriverwalleyeclassic.com

• LaSalle Gives Back. LaSalle Firefighters and community volunteers take to the streets in LaSalle during the second week in November to distribute newsletters and accept monetary donations. This annual initiative benefits local non-profits and youth assistance organizations, ensuring that funds raised stay 100% in LaSalle. 

• LaSalle Firefighter's Christmas Toy Drive - Sparky's Toy Drive. This event benefits local families in need and takes place in December each year. Please see the official website for more information sparkystoydrivelasalle.ca

• Special Events. The LaSalle firefighters association takes part in many community events upon request. Examples of support include parades, car washes, school events, team and charity events.