DIVFD - Administration

Personnel

The DIVFD's officers include:

a Chief
a Deputy Chief
four Captains
a Training Officer
a Safety Officer
an Administration Officer (Secretary)

In addition to the officers, the department currently has about 24 members and seven auxilliary members. Ten of our members are trained as First Responders, who can provide immediate assistance in medical emergencies.

Funding

The DIVFD is funded by property taxes paid through the Comox Valley Regional District. The Department's annual budget is reviewed and approved by a general meeting of the Denman Island Residents' Association (DIRA) before being presented to the Regional District.

Additional funds raised by the Denman Island Firefighters' Association through special events or donations are directed towards non-budget items, such as providing project assistance to the Department or sponsoring social events.

A portion of our annual budget is deposited into a capital reserve fund, which is used for major equipment purchases, such as our recent purchase of a new tanker truck, self-contained breathing apparatus, etc. Preallocating funds for capital expenses in this manner means that we can purchase the necessary equipment without resorting to borrowing, thus saving taxpayers from having to pay interest charges.