Bill Arnott has been on the Keremeos and District Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years. He’s served as a Captain in the department for 10 years.
“It definitely helps to have an understanding wife,” he said of the time management issues faced by a volunteer, especially when in an administrative role.
Arnott is in and out of the community through the week, so his availablility is limited through the week, like many of the department’s volunteers.
“I’ve never really considered the financial aspects of it - I’m not in it for the money,” he said in regard to compensation.
“I have fun doing it, I enjoy it,” he explained, “it’s the one thing I have time to do to help out in the community.”
Arnott remembers two motor vehicle accidents as the worst emergency scenes he had ever participated in. Both took place early in his volunteer career.
“I remember one accident near Standing Rock. The father of two kids was trying to make sure his kids were all right after the collision before he died himself.” Arnott also recalled an MVA near the cemetery that had nasty consequences.