After years of serving the community, Sun Peaks Fire Rescue (SPFR) training officer Luke Harrison is leaving his role. Joss Advocaat started as the new training officer in July, and is already looking forward to recruiting new volunteer members in August.
“It’s big boots to fill,” Advocaat said. “He’s done a really good job with this program.”
Joining was for something to do in the community, he said. But after coming in as an inexperienced volunteer three years ago he worked tirelessly to complete all kinds of training.
At times he struggled to hold a full time job, be a committed volunteer and pursue extra training but he found he was passionate about it and wanted to work hard.
“The training is always ongoing, there was always something new.”
Training included driving fire trucks, learning incident command, completing medical training and inspections. Advocaat said his favourite was the fire service instructor course.
“I like the teacher role, I’ve always been teaching someone else,” he said.
He will be able to apply those skills to the position through implementing a new training program from the fire commissioner.
While growing up in the community Advocaat said he was drawn to public service roles but never imagined finding himself in firefighting, now he can’t see himself anywhere else.
“Now that I’m in this role I know firefighting is the way to go.”
He said when he realized it was going to become his career choice he never thought he would be able to stay in his home of Sun Peaks.
“I’m really happy to be here.”
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