Saying goodbye is hard to do

It takes a special kind of person to become a firefighter. Running into danger while everyone runs away is not something that everyone can do. Emergency services personnel such as police officers and paramedics also fit into this category. They are the people you meet on your worst day when you need the most help and the strength that only they can provide.

“I think it comes down to just giving back to the community. It’s about looking out for your fellow neighbour. Doing that little bit for somebody is everything no matter how small it is. It cascades and builds. Open the door for someone and maybe they will open the door for someone when they come back out. Helping those around us without the expectation of recognition for it is, for me, more personally rewarding than I can put into words,” said Trevor Thain, who recently retired from the Whitecourt Fire Department after lacing up the boots for five and a half years.

Ever since he was a child, he felt the calling to serve his community. Born nine and a half weeks premature, Thain wasn’t expected to live. His strong will and determination started early and as he grew up, he shovelled walkways, cut grass, and helped those who needed an extra hand. When he graduated high school, he decided to take his serving to the top by enlisting in the military. Unfortunately, as an insulin-dependant diabetic, Thain was unable to enlist. He was interested in becoming a police officer, but his health wouldn’t allow for that, either. From there, life took over as he married the love of his life and together, they raised two sons.

In his mid-40s, Thain learned of an opportunity he never thought possible; becoming a volunteer firefighter. “When I originally applied, I honestly didn’t think I would get in. I joined with 20 recruits in 2014 and the youngest member was 18 years of age. Everyone else was in their twenties. It was a challenge at times, but I did it.” He trained hard and pushed himself to hit personal bests, proving that he could do it. “You’re not fully a member until everybody votes you in at the general meeting. Persevering through it all and then getting voted on as a member, I’m very proud of that. It was amazing,” he said with a smile.

Deciding to retire was not an easy decision for Thain but it came down to his body telling him it was time. “I didn’t want to be the one to put my brothers and sisters or anybody else in the community in any sort of danger.” He said the experiences he has lived through as a member of the department will forever be etched in his memory. There are also plenty of experiences that bring sadness from the various calls he has responded to. One can only imagine what his eyes have seen unless, of course, you’ve been there.

One of his favourite memories is undoubtedly getting to be Sparky. “It’s absolutely amazing. Some kids, of course, know that someone is in the suit but then you get some of the other ones that fully believe you are Sparky the Fire Dog. They are absolutely engrossed in just being around you and it just makes you feel amazing inside,” he said.

Another unforgettable moment involved the old fire engine, Beulah, which the department worked on collectively. “Restoring that old fire truck was awesome. It was originally Bill McAree who fought for it. He was the one that did all the fundraising for it and trying to get council to donate to bring that truck back to life. All of us put time and effort into her.” It’s especially memorable for Thain because he was able to share the truck with his beloved grandmother who passed just over a year ago.

On the evening of June 30, 2016, hours before Beulah was set to make her grand debut in the Canada Day parade, Thain brought his grandmother up to the shop to see it. To say she was proud would be an understatement. Not only of the hard work he put into the truck but, also, of his choice to be a firefighter. She was worried, of course, but she was prouder than anything else. “She basically raised me as a child and she’s always been that one special person for me. She was a wonderful woman.”

His wife, Rhonda, has been in his corner cheering him on from day one, too. “I’m so proud of him. That’s my guy. I honestly couldn’t be prouder!” Thain returned the sentiment and said that without the support of his wife and family he wouldn’t have been able to do it. “The calls in the middle of dinner and running out the door or the calls in the middle of the night and then, of course, she’s up after that, worrying about what I’m doing.”

He said leaving the department feels like he is leaving a piece of his heart behind, but he knows that the family will always be there. “Once a firefighter, always a firefighter. I know that all the people who are still on the department are with me no matter what and, I, with them.” He encourages anyone to put in an application if they have a desire to be part of the department and reminds you to not let age get in the way. “I’ve been proud to be able to work with my brothers and sisters whether that’s department members, EMS, or police officers. I’ve been very proud to work alongside all of them and serve my community.”