About 200 people attended a firefighter appreciation event at the Bowden Lions Hall on Friday Oct. 12 to give thanks to the 18 people that currently staff the department.
Part of the reason for the event was to give thanks to the firefighters who give freely of their time for the community while not knowing what dangers lie ahead each time they are called out to assist. That was brought home last year, when a firefighter in Bobbi Pineau's hometown of Enderby, B.C. died while responding to a call. Pineau, who acted as master of ceremonies for the evening, said it brought home to her the danger that each person who serves faces every time they respond to a call.
Annette Glazer, president of the Bowden Lions Club, said it was important to recognize the sacrifices that each volunteer makes for the community in time and training in order to keep the community safe.
“I think it's very important for the firefighters to realize how much they are appreciated while they're still here to enjoy it. They give up a lot and they deserve all the appreciation,” she said.
Mayor Robb Stuart said not only do the members in Bowden give their time to serve on the department, but many of them can be seen volunteering in other ways around the community as well, such as flooding outdoor ice or making sure a fireworks display goes off safely on July 1.
“They've always come up to bat, not just as firefighters, but also volunteering in other capacities,” he said. “Just wanted to say, ‘thank you. We definitely appreciate it.'”
Cliff Brausen, the fire chief in Sylvan Lake who is also Glazer's brother, said it doesn't matter whether firefighters are professionals or volunteers like the ones in Bowden, they still train the same and the public still expects the same level of service, no matter who shows up at a scene to help.
“These men and women are professionals,” he said, referring to the Bowden members. “The commitment of this department is tremendous. You should be proud. This community wouldn't be as protected without these men and women.”
Larry Werner, chief of the Bowden department, said everyone is appreciative for the support they receive from the community.
“It's hugely a benefit to us to have the community come out and support us. If it wasn't for the community, they wouldn't need a fire department. It's greatly appreciated to see them here supporting us,” he said.
The Bowden department has recently been on a recruitment drive and signed up five new members.
“This way we're guaranteed we can have a full complement of firefighters,” Werner said, noting that it's always good to see new people coming on board in small communities like Bowden.
As part of the evening, a silent auction took place to benefit the department, but a final tally on the amount raised was not expected until the end of this week.
