A friend suggested firefighting as an activity to Clark Maldaner over 20 years ago and he's been volunteering with the Innisfail Volunteer Fire Department ever since.
Maldaner recently received a 20-year service award for his time and effort.
“I enjoy it,” Maldaner said of why he's kept up the volunteering for over two decades.
The best part, he said, is the camaraderie with other members of the department.
“There's the family aspect,” he said, noting the local firefighters have developed strong friendships.
His choice to become a volunteer firefighter even inspired a change in career – Maldaner switched from an industry job to working as a paramedic after his exposure to emergency services.
“Absolutely,” he said of whether it's worth the time and effort to volunteer for the fire department.
“You learn lots too,” he noted. “Most of our guys have the same training as career firefighters.”
Still, Maldaner pointed volunteering for the fire department isn't all fun and barbecues.
“There is a time commitment,” he said, noting there's an on-call period each month for volunteers.
Innisfail Fire Chief John Syroid said Maldaner has been an asset to the department, both in action and by sitting on committees.
“He takes care of a lot of business,” Syroid said. “Without him we wouldn't have some of the things we're grateful for.”
