‘A welcome increase’: Moncton Fire Department adds staff

Moncton now has eight new firefighters who graduated from a recruit training program.

For the first time in decades, the Moncton Fire Department has increased its frontline daily staffing.

Eight new recruits make up the 2025 class of probationary firefighters who graduated from the department’s 10-week training program.

Lt. Jeremy Quillian, president of the local firefighters union, said the extra firefighters were needed.

“We’ve seen an increase in our call volume,” said Quillian. “An increase with our response models which require more staff on the scene, so this is definitely a welcome increase to our staff.”

According to the union’s Facebook page, the Moncton Fire Department is increasing its daily frontline staffing for the first time since the 1970s.

“The city is growing as everybody knows and with that comes challenges. Part of that challenge is having enough responders to answer the calls,” he said.

Moncton is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The population is expected to exceed 100,000 people in the next census.

Moncton Fire Department Deputy Chief of Operations Keith Guptill said the call volume has basically doubled since 2020.

“If you had talked to me five years ago our call volume was probably around 5,000 calls a year and last year it was 9,300,” said Guptill. “We’re heading on pace already now to probably top 10,000 calls this year,”

The new recruits bring the total number of firefighters in the department to 118. They will transfer to the Operations Division and start their careers as relievers next.

Four of the new probationary firefighters will add to the minimum when staffing increases from 21 to 22 firefighters on duty daily.

“It’s going to be a hug help for us and it’ll help the city with their budget too and our overtime budget,” said Guptill.

Charlie Summers and Matthew Valdron are two of the eight new probationary firefighters. Summers said part of the reason she joined is because of her father who is a police officer that inspired her to become a first responder.

“You’re not alone, you have others to count on,” said Summers.

Valdron said he joined to work with a crew and help people in the community.

“The team aspect and the camaraderie and being able to face challenges together and help people when they’re in need,” said Valdron.

Summers said she’s aware it is a dangerous job but she’s excited to face the upcoming challenges.

“I’ve always wanted something that intrigued me,” said Summers. “Every day is different. I like the fact that you don’t know what’s coming. You’ve always got to be ready and on your toes.”

Quillian said there are staff that are trained guide firefighters to the right resources after traumatic events – something critical for the mental health of new recruits.

“We also do in-house debriefs after a traumatic incident as a starting point and we also look out for one another,” said Quillian.

Summers and Valdon have their first full day of work on Wednesday.

Guptill said new recruits will shift around to the city’s five different fire stations so they can get to know the coverage areas and crews.

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