TRURO - Jacob Millman suited up on Saturday with the thought of becoming a volunteer firefighter on his mind.
During the Truro Volunteer Fire Brigade's Walk in Our Boots campaign, the 19-year-old picked up an application for the organization.
"I've met some really good people here today and I think it would be nice to be able to help so I am seriously considering joining," said Millman, who noted he'd been thinking about volunteering with the brigade for a few days before the campaign.
He attended the event to get more information on the brigade, but also took the visit as an opportunity to try things out.
"It's got a nice little kick to it," he said of the hose. "The gear is heavy but it fits."
As a current member, Nathan Cameron was at the event at the Truro Fire Service and explained to those interested that the gear weighs 30 to 40 pounds, with the breathing apparatus adding another 40.
To get to Level 1 certification, a firefighter must dress themselves with their main gear within 60 seconds, with another 60 seconds to put on the apparatus and packs.
Geoff Fisher, membership chair of the brigade, was happy with Saturday's turnout.
"We got a good crowd and some applications were handed out," said Fisher. "People are asking lots of questions but we'd like to let people know that they don't have to wait for an event like this to talk to us. We're happy to answer questions any time."
He said there are currently 26 members in the brigade and new members would be very welcome.
"When there are more members it spreads the workload out more," he added. "We're glad to work with new people so it's not as intimidating as it might seem. The camaraderie is great and you get to help people."
Ryan Geldart transferred to the Truro Brigade, from Eureka, in 2010 when he came to the area to study.
"I put an application in and within a month I was a probationary member," he said. "I felt welcome as soon as I came in. It's a great way to help the community, and I know I can count on the others here if I have problems."
During the campaign event, two men went head-to-head for the chance to claim the title of the first Chief's Cup.
In the end, it was Assistant Deputy Chief John Congdon who claimed the title over Deputy Chief Al Sutherland.
"It was a very friendly competition," laughed Sutherland.
Chief Blois Currie wasn't able to make it to the Chief's Cup for competition.
