INNISFAIL – Fire chief Gary Leith did not have to climb any ladders on Aug. 13 to rescue citizens or wayward cats from utility poles but he was forced to run back and forth to a save a special day in the park.
The always agreeable and pleasant veteran firefighter’s ordeal was to make multiple trips to the store to ensure there was enough hot dogs and buns to feed the hundreds of citizens attending Centennial Park for the second annual BBQ in the Park.
“We originally expected around 150 and we've probably had three times that now, which is awesome,” said Leith, speaking with the Albertan during the event.. “It’s also supported by the Restorative Justice Association here in town to provide pop and chips for the attendees as well.
“And we provided the hot dogs, buns, and the staff sergeant and his crew turn around and cook the hot dogs for us,” he added. “I just was the runner, so to speak.”
Most importantly for him and his firefighters, said Leith, was that the event is about “investing” in the town’s youth.
“As a community we want these young people to grow up and want to be on our fire department,” he said. “This is an important touch point for us to get them engaged with our fire crews.”
Arno Glover is the chair of the Innisfail Policing & Safe Community Committee that came up with the idea in 2023 to have a community barbecue.
Glover was at this year’s BBQ in the Park and said it was important for his committee and local emergency responders, like the Innisfail RCMP, fire department and town peace officers, to be open and transparent for the community.
“We want to involve people in the community and just basically showcase who we are and what we do, get any feedback, and encourage people to do the community survey we do every year,” said Glover. “I literally spoke to a couple five minutes ago who just moved into town, and they were curious to know what the event was and the reasoning behind it.
“We explained all that, and they thought this was a great idea,” added Glover. “They've moved from the city of Airdrie, and there's no comparison there. The smaller communities benefit from this kind of activity.”
Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Ian Ihme, the detachment commander, said the key important issue for his members is visibility within the community, and BBQ in the Park is the perfect vehicle to do just that.
“We haven't had too many people bringing up concerns, but every once in a while people just want to talk. And when you're there it's a friendly atmosphere,” said Ihme. “People feel a little more comfortable with it.”
