It takes a significant dedication to volunteer for a position that puts you into the line of danger.

Currently, 34 individuals ranging from the age of 22 to 60 volunteer at the Morden Fire Department, and Fire Chief Andy Thiessen says it's no simple feat. Since he's been Fire Chief, over 100 volunteers have come through the department, and only 36 have stuck around.

It's not for everyone, says Thiessen, and it takes a certain kind of person to put themselves through the gruelling work and hours. But without the dedicated few, a fire department wouldn't be possible.

"If we don't have volunteers, we don't have a fire department; it's pretty simple. Our and neighbouring communities can't afford to have a full-time department; it's just not in the cards. Without having a volunteer base, we're non-existent, and the communities around us aren't covered."

Thanksgiving's winter storm was an example of how gruelling being a volunteer firefighter can be, and Thiessen says sometimes shifts can reach upwards of 24 to 30-hours. Vehicle accidents and dealing with water through the fridged winter to fight a blaze are also quite challenging. Still, Thissen says the department's volunteers overcome all these obstacles as they work together to protect their community. 

Thiessen adds the department has 36 slots, and they're looking for two more individuals to join the team. He encourages anyone who feels a strong desire to support their community to hand in an application, and the department will be holding recruitment come spring.