Village of Pouce Coupe Statement

Statement from the Village of Pouce Coupe

At the most recent all-candidates meeting for the September 18th 2021 Village of Pouce Coupe by-election, several statements were made in regard to the Village’s Volunteer Fire Department. These statements related to the use of alcohol within the Department, as well as the number of members of the Department who reside within the Village of Pouce Coupe. The Village considers it important to correct these erroneous statements.

The Fire Department has a comprehensive policy addressing the use of alcohol and drugs by its members. No fire department member shall report for duty while impaired by alcohol or drugs, nor shall any member consume drugs or alcohol while on duty, or while riding on or in any fire department vehicle. This policy has been in effect and has been rigidly enforced since 2014.

Of the seventeen members of the Department in total, five of the members live in the Village of Pouce Coupe, and three members live in the rural fire district. The department is highly trained according to provincially mandated certification criteria, and includes several members with training instructor certifications. The Department also includes four active members of the BC Ambulance Service. The Department regularly conducts recruitment drives locally to attract new members.

The Village is extremely proud of its Volunteer Fire Department, and truly and sincerely appreciates the dedicated commitment, self-sacrifice (in terms of personal life-safety and family time), and community spirit of its volunteers. The Department provides a high quality of responsive, professional service to the residents of Pouce Couple and the rural area. And the fact that men and women, who reside outside of Pouce Coupe, are prepared to dedicate their lives, personal time and effort to protect the Village speaks volumes about the level of cooperation and support throughout this region generally. Of that the Village is proud and appreciative.

Mayor Lorraine Michetti
Village of Pouce Coupe
Date of Release: August 31st, 2021