First Responders

Surrey Fire Service Firefighter Profile

 

 

Walter Becker

 

As a kid in East Vancouver, Walter Becker can recall jumping on his bike and chasing fire trucks as they raced by his house on their way to an emergency. The bright lights, sirens and promise of action were very appealing to the young Walter. As he matured, he never lost his desire to be on the back of a fire truck, but a career in teaching was also calling his name.  He was torn. Should he pursue firefighting or teaching?

The decision became easy when Walter discovered some cities in the lower mainland employed volunteer firefighters. He could teach and firefight! Walter is one of the lucky few to discover a way to get everything he wanted.

Sarge, as he is known around the department, taught at North Delta Secondary for 37 years and started volunteering for the Surrey Fire Service in 1984. During that time he has contributed in innumerable ways to the community.  As a teacher, he has coached and moulded his students to become successful members of the community. Some have gone on to play in professional leagues such as the NFL and CFL. As a volunteer firefighter, he has saved lives and protected the property of the people of Surrey day and night, whenever his volunteer pager has called him to action. He has also been one of the greatest recruiters the fire service has ever seen. Walter jokingly estimates that, at one point or another, he taught or coached close to 40% of the current Surrey Fire Service firefighters. In fact, he is such a great recruiter, both of his sons followed him into volunteer firefighting (with one becoming a career firefighter in Surrey) and his daughter is an emergency dispatcher.

Walter has lived his passions, showing an amazing generosity of spirit and no small amount of courage. If you are looking for a role model, look no further.

 

 If you are interested in becoming a career firefighter, please contact Tim Dykeman of Surrey Fire Service Recruitment at  604-543-6739.