A lifelong member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation is Sarnia Fire and Rescue Service's newest recruit.
Brian Bois, previously the First Nation's public works coordinator, has been hired as a probationary firefighter.
Chief Bryan Van Gaver said they've been working with Bois for a few years after he expressed interest in joining the city's fire department at an Aamjiwnaang career event.
"The original recruitment was in the fall of 2018, so yeah, we're looking at a two-year process to get to this point, for Brian to get all of the certifications he needed before he could move on to the next step," said Van Gaver.
Chief Van Gaver is happy to bring him on board.
"He's just a positive role model in the community that younger kids can aspire to, and hopefully this process will encourage them to apply in the future."
Van Gaver said he has no plans, at this time, to have Bois assist with development of a new fire service agreement with Aamjiwnaang First Nation -- recently identified in the Fire Master Plan.
"The City of Sarnia, not just fire, are firm believers in diversity and inclusivity. We felt it was good to have representation of our community on the department. Brian is being hired as a firefighter, so we don't have any immediate plans to involve him with anything else, other than firefighting, right now."
