Whitecourt Fire Department celebrates 60 years

 

Big milestones deserve big celebrations. Each year the Whitecourt Fire Department celebrates its members and the work they have done through its annual awards night. This year though, the evening was extra special thanks to it also being the 60th anniversary of the department. Starting in 1958, the department began out of necessity after a fire threatened the community.

“The Whitecourt Fire Department was officially formed on February 22, 1958,” said Deputy Chief Wayne Andrusiak. “The need for a fire service in Whitecourt was highlighted when a spring fire on May 11, 1956 started in the Millar Western yard and spread threatening the town. According to an Edmonton Journal article, high winds showered the southeast section of the village with embers endangering the homes of 700 residents. A call was put out to Mayerthorpe for help, but they were already busy with another fire. According to the article, the entire adult population of Whitecourt was putting out fires.”

Deputy Chief Andrusiak said it’s interesting how many of the messages shared now through Firesmart were the basis of the Whitecourt Fire Department forming so many years ago. Deputy Chief Aaron Floyd also addressed the crowd and spoke about the history on display. “Our scrapbooks at the back serve as a journal of our days on the job, our calls, our training, and our interactions with each other and the public. One day people will look back and want to know what we did, who we became, our contributions, and the difference we made.”

Fire Chief Brian Wynn spoke about his beginnings and how the same type of learning still takes place today. “I remember when I started as a recruit, back in 1993. We were doing the Parkland Firefighter course on the weekend and all the officers were there teaching us, demonstrating their commitment and passion for serving their community, building the bonds for a stronger team, and hooking the members with a passion. We still do this today. Once members are hooked with a passion for firefighting they are committed long term.”

The packed St. Joseph’s Hall featured both current and past members of the Whitecourt Fire Department, several members from nearby departments including Swan Hills, Fox Creek, and Blue Ridge, and dignitaries and friends of the department. To attend the evening, guests needed to be invited by a member of the department making it that much more special for those in attendance.

This year’s winners at the October 20 awards night included Taya Green (Officer of the Year), Jessica Fritzke (Firefighter of the Year), Sheri Pritchard (Pete Heck Award and Rookie of the Year), and Bob Bell (Inaugural Larry Lopes Memorial Fire Prevention Award). Several firefighters were also presented with Service Awards. BJ Davis, Jerry Adam, Johnley Camposano, and Natalie Watson each received their 10 Year Service awards. Rory Boon was presented a plaque for reaching 20 years of service, Chief Brian Wynn received an engraved axe for reaching 25 years, and Bob Bell received a beautifully designed bell for reaching 30 years with the department.

“I would like to thank our membership, past and current, as they are the ones who make this department great and successful. Their drive to do better for our community, keep citizens safer, and their continued mentorship elevates others to new heights. I’m proud to be a firefighter but I’m proudest to say that I’m a member of the Whitecourt Fire Department,” spoke Chief Wynn. The Whitecourt Press would like to congratulate all this year’s award winners and would also like to thank the Whitecourt Fire Department for its hard work in the community.