On Monday, there was a three-hour period in the morning when Thompson Fire and Emergency Services did not have an ambulance staffed by their members.

Fortunately, Shared Health was available to provide paramedic services in the community during the brief interruption.

A notice from the City said administration and Council are working to alleviate staff shortages affecting TFES.

In the past few months, the City has hired Chief Dennis Benson, recruited multiple new auxiliary members, and started training them to support career firefighter-paramedics when fires occur.

A new Deputy Chief will be joining the department in mid-July, as will four new firefighter-paramedics.

The City of Thompson is actively recruiting new firefighter/paramedics from within Manitoba and across the country and continues negotiating with Shared Health to secure additional provincial funding for local ambulance services.