Wilkie and District Fire Department marked Fire Prevention Week by acknowledging a special award to 30-year member Steve Elder.
Elder has been awarded a first bar to the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, bestowed by the Government of Canada. The award was presented by Wilkie Mayor Dave Zeigler and Rural Fire Association chairman Gerald Gerlinsky.
The Wilkie and District Fire Department fire hall was under quarantine other than response to emergencies and fires from November 2020 to February 2021, says Fire Chief Randy Elder. During that time the department was split into two training crews on a monthly basis.
The department has 22 members, six new members in 2021, including two students.
"Once the department opened in February, we have been extremely busy," the chief says.
They were called out to six grass/brush fires, six railway right of way fires, four vehicle fires and three agriculture land fires. They also attended 10 motor vehicle accidents, two carbon monoxide calls, two power pole fires, two smoke-filled residences and five false alarms. They also assisted with one STARS ambulance landing, retrieved a stranded motorist in a snowstorm and performed three dangerous medical equipment pickups.
Elder said by looking at the list of calls in the seven-month period, the department has been busy and with COVID-19 still active, the most important thing was ensuring the safety of the firefighters.
Along with call outs, the department is involved in services to the public which included fire extinguisher training and building inspections. Firefighters have achieved first aid/CPR recertification and training in building inspections, pump operations and hazmat awareness and operations. Bi-weekly training is ongoing.
Elder along with Deputy Chief Sittler say they are committed to ensuring every member of the department is well trained in how to keep safe in all kinds of situations, using the proper equipment and knowing what to do and not to do.
The plans for the rest of the year include full-day courses in October and November for low angle rescue, vehicle extrication and live fire training.
Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 3 to 9 and plans, COVID-19 permitting, include tours of the fire hall for pre-kindergarten to Grade 5 and in-school presentations. If not allowed, these will be done virtually and hopefully the chefs of the fire department will be able to serve hot dogs, burgers, refreshment and treats for visitors at the annual barbecue.
"The firefighters miss seeing people in the hall and [hope] that things will open up and be safe enough to have them come and visit," Elder says.
